Lesson Two
The history of the Bible and the history of American liberty are inseparable. The Bible is the source of individual liberty—salvation from sin through Jesus Christ. It is also the basis for external or civil government.
It is extremely important to our nation, in a political as well as religious view, that all possible authority and influence should be given to the scripture; for these furnish the best principles of civil liberty, and the most effectual support of republican government.
Noah Webster
The colonists learned the nature of man and the necessity of the Word of God for successful government and a safe society. It was the source of all liberty—internal and external—the Textbook of Liberty for all people.
Teach the Children:
- With the Bible, individual character for self-government led to the forming of a Christian Constitutional Republic which has provided so much liberty and opportunity for individuals in our nation.
- With the Bible, the Pilgrims, Puritans and Patriots learned to govern their families, churches, towns or colonial assemblies. This prepared them in the establishment of a new nation, under God—the United States of America.
- With the Bible, the Pioneers moving westward practiced voluntarism which built homes, churches, schools, communities, businesses and new states for the union.
William Ames: “God’s constancy, truth and faithfulness appear in his decree. (The counsel of the Lord shall stand. Proverbs 19:21)”
(John Eusden, 1968) Marrow of Theology, “The Decree and Counsel of God”, United Church Press, p. 94
* (Verna M. Hall, Rosalie J. Slater, 1983) The Bible and the Constitution of the United States of America: A Primer of American Liberty, The Foundation for American Christian Education, pp. 16-19,