PrincipledMom™

Titled "The Importance of The Word of God an all Areas of Life," this is an especially important lesson. Among the texts are an 1852 sermon by Robert C. Winthrop titled "The Bible," and writings by Noah Webster.

This lesson was challenging because it forced me to examine my own views on government. It caused me to check where my expectations lie. Do I really trust God as my source, or do I look to civil government? Am I governed by the Bible or the Bayonet? Rev. Winthrop challenges in his sermon the idea that civil government is the source of all man's needs. He suggests that as the Bible and it's truths are diffused to the people, His Word will cause His sheep to care for one another. It is our job to feed the hungry, care for the sick and widows and to bring peace.

Rev. Winthrop asserts that all men are governed; it is merely a matter of what are you governed by--the Bible or the Bayonet. The more you rely on God's word and the fruit of the spirit it cultivates, the less you must rely on external constraints. If we as individuals are not willing to govern ourselves, we will have to be governed by an ever stronger external government. I believe the amount of a country's external rules and regulations is an indicator of the spiritual health of the individuals within. The more a body of people is internally governed (by the Law of Love--Christ), the less the "bayonet" is needed, hence, a freer society.

Mr. Webster states that the "principles of liberty are drawn from the Bible." He states:
The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best corrector of all that is evil, in human society; the best book for regulating the temporal concerns of men, and the only book that can serve as an infallible guide to future felicity.
He also states that scriptures are to be the "guide of human reason," which articulates the notion that our conscience is shaped by the Word of God. Without it, we have no compass for morality or practical reasoning.

Internal and external government are inseperably interwined. They will pull against one another. It is my goal to see that, at least for my family, internal government always wins.

To enroll in Rudiments, please contact Pilgrim Institute.

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I have found some great sites to help in your studies of Shakespeare. These links are good for elementary through high school.

Surfing with the Bard
Mr. William Shakespeare and the internet
The seven stages of Shakespeare's life
Shakespeare Resource Center
Shakespeare Illustrated has many works of art using his writing as the subject.
In Search of Shakespeare is the PBS special. They have stuff for elementary ages.
Internet Public Library has all of his works available online.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has interesting photos of the museum.
Shakespeare Online
Shakespeare Virtual Field Trip is interesting for the peek into Elizabethan life.
All ages can appreciate Shakespeare's works. The younger ones can listen to selections from Charles and Mary Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare. (The kids won't know they "can't do Shakespeare yet" if you don't tell them!) His many references to scripture and his sayings that have found their way into our modern vocabulary make for interesting study.

The older ones can delve into the nuances of his work. He is worth much study over time. We will touch on his life and work many times over the remaining years.

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