Benjamin Franklin’s great-great-grandfather and his family, when reading the Bible was illegal.
The Authentic American History TEXT from original documents, Volume 1 is now available! This volume covers our His Story from the time that the Bible was placed in the common man’s hands until the Pilgrims were prepared to adventure to America. You may purchase it HERE.
You’ll learn about the time when reading the Word of God was illegal, but got into homes and families. The picture above is Benjamin Franklin’s great-great-grandfather reading the Bible to his children with one of his children set at the window to look out for the Queen’s policeman – who would throw them into prison for reading the Bible.
In Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, he shares a story:
This obscure family of ours was early in the Reformation, and continued Protestants though the reign of Queen Mary, when they were sometimes in danger of trouble on account of their zeal against popery. They had got an English Bible, and to conceal and secure it, it was fastened open with tapes under and within the cover of a joint-stool. When my great-great-grandfather read it to his family, he turned up the joint-stool upon his knees, turning over the leaves then under the tapes. One of the children stood at the door to give notice if he saw the apparitor coming, who was an officer of the spiritual court. In that case the stool was turned down again upon its feet, when the Bible remained concealed under it as before.*
Come listen to how reading the Bible set a flame in families to change their lives, homes, churches and nation. Every one, every nation can do this. God is awesome and He is “Our Father!”
Enjoy the discussion about the overview of Authentic American History, Volume 1 HERE.
Dr. Brenda MacMenamin shares the “Mighty Deeds of God” (Psalm 78) to civic groups, women’s groups, churches and at special events, bringing enlightenment, and activism to patriots, pastors, and parents. She is happy to share the hope she has with friends of Liberty.
Have you heard the story about the chickens scraping on the barnyard floor? It’s OK because that is what they are created to do. But, one day in this barnyard, there is an Eagle who fell out of the nest and thinks he is a chicken. He’s scratching and pawing, but that is not what he is created to do!
Have you read in Exodus 19:4 where God Almighty reaches out to His people and says, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” If you are a believer then God Almighty is your Father. This is what He longs to do for you.
Do you know how a Momma eagle teaches her young how to fly? She starts by taking out all the comfortable feathers from the nest! Then the baby starts getting uncomfortable in her situation. She starts realizing that where she is, maybe isn’t the best place for her. Maybe something better is “out there” where it is uncomfortable too, but at least she won’t feel poked and prodded all the time. It says in Deuteronomy 32:11, “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings…”
Maybe God our Heavenly Father is saying, “Step out of the nest, where it has always been comfortable! Step out and lock your wings! Get off the barnyard floor where you have been henpecked and have been pecking your way, being petty and pointing your finger at everyone and look up!” God, your Heavenly Father, has better things for you than this!
There is one thing about an eagle. When the storms come, and they do, the eagle locks her wings, and soars higher. She actually looks forward to the high winds and turbulence to let them take her up, up, up, higher and higher, toward her Heavenly Father!
Psalm 103:1-5 says to you:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.“
In Proverbs 30:19, Solomon marveled at “The way of an eagle in the air…”
It is time for you to rise up, America! Be American! We ARE the Eagle!
Isaiah 40:31 calls to us:
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
That phrase “wait on” is number 6960 in the Lexical Aids to the Old Testament which is Qāwāh which means “to bind together.” Dutch Sheets shares a fascinating story about the “war eagles” of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He would give these huge eagles to his warriors. The warriors would tether themselves to the eagles and fly along with them, not in the air, but would be pulled up by them and along so that they could travel at tremendous speed and not get tired or weary. It is a fascinating story.
This is literally what the Lord is desiring for us to do, to tether ourselves to Him: to seek Him, to hear His Voice, to wait for His strength.
That word “renew” in Isaiah 40:31 is literally change in Hebrew. We change our strength for His. Are you ready for this?
I am not sure about this, but I have heard a pastor teach that the eagle in Revelation 12:14:
“But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent” is America helping Israel.
What I am sure about, is this:
I want America to be a sheep nation. I am thrilled that America is caring for Israel, that we are now her friend in this intense time of persecution for her. I believe that we cannot be a sheep nation without that alliance.
As we are waiting for His return, it is most important to be sheep, in this sense. Jesus promised us in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
He is calling us today, to look up at Him, and to hear His Voice and follow Him.
He says in Hebrews 4:7, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Next week we will talk about Educating the next generation.
I’d like to invite all you Eagles, to join us by signing up for the weekly email on the bottom right of this page.
April 30th, 2020: 231st Anniversary of America’s First Inaugural Address
A Call to Return to Covenant by Dr. Brenda MacMenamin
With all the issues of today, I have been yearning to sit down and read the text of General Washington’s First Inaugural Address, given in the capital at that time, NYC. Much to my surprise, he gave it 231 years ago, from next week, on April 30th. I’ve been hearing that date several times, from godly people, including several children, who said they had dreams that this virus will begin to ebb on that date, and that the Lord told them so. It is also the day before President Trump has asked the governors to re-open their states.
What is precious about this address, is that is it the very first one in America, by our very first president. And as Rabbi Jonathan Cahn shares in The Harbinger, it reads very much like a covenant, so it has the significance of dedicating America to the Lord.
Read the whole document here. I have included excerpts, so you can read for yourself:
“… in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge…”
I believe that he invites us to join him in his sentiments:
“In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either.”
Will we, America, join him to again acknowledge and adore God in the foundation of our blessings and free Government:
“No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities, from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most Governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government can more auspiciously commence.”
Will we, America, commit ourselves to:
“… dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my Country can inspire: since there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
America, as we approach the beginning of the end of this Divine Reset, will we join him in:
“resorting once more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble supplication that since he has been pleased to favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparellelled unanimity on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.”
I hope so! Let’s pray together: Father, we come to You and repent from turning our back on the covenant that our Fathers made with You. Will You, Father, turn our hearts back to You and Your Ways? Will You have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and enable us to turn from all our wicked and selfish ways? Will you cleanse us from all unrighteousness and heal our land?
Will you make us a Holy people?
We thank You for this time of Divine Reset. Help us to honor & glorify You.
This is actually posted all over PSL. Do We the People WANT them working 24/7? Let’s Talk about it…
When Dr. Benjamin Franklin walked out of the Constitutional Convention, a lady asked him what form of government they had given us. He responded, “A Republic, madam, if you can keep it.” What does THAT mean?
There is a tendency in each of us to want someone else to solve all our problems for us. And there will always be leaders, like our City officials, who would love to do that for us, while they vote themselves 30-60% pay increases after midnight, all the while convinced, I’m sure that it is for us. But our Founders clearly stressed that only our Virtue would allow us to remain free:
“Let Divines, and Philosophers, Statesmen and Patriots unite their endeavors to renovate the Age, by impressing the Minds of Men with the importance of educating their little boys, and girls—of inculcating in the Minds of youth the fear, and Love of the Deity, and universal Philanthropy; and in subordination to these great principles, the Love of their Country—of instructing them in the Art of self-government, without which they never can act a wise part in the Government of Societies great, or small—in short of leading them in the Study, and Practice of the exalted Virtues of the Christian system.” ~ John Adams
“If Virtue and Knowledge are diffused among the People, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great Security.” ~ Samuel Adams
“It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?” ~George Washington in his Farewell Address
Benjamin Franklin published in his autobiography a “Chart of 13 Virtues.” We studied and discussed this chart in my high school History class. It was really fun and enlightening to see the students consider pursuing virtue so seriously. I gave them each a copy of this chart. (Thank you for typing this out, HomeschoolPatriot.com, so that I did not have to!! )
The fascinating thing is that, and Dr. Ben shares this in his autobiography, as there are 13 Virtues and 4 sets of 13 weeks in a year, we can concentrate on one virtue each week, review how we do and then go on to the next virtue for the next week, until we have gone through all of them in a quarter year. What a great project for families!
He also talks about starting a “United Party for Virtue.” Wouldn’t it be great to see that happen?
Maybe in our New Year’s Resolutions, we could purpose to go through the Virtues that Dr. Ben has organized for us and see where that takes us. God is waiting for us to seek Him!
“Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever. Go and tell them, “Return to your tents.” But you stand here with me so I can give you all my commands, decrees, and regulations. You must teach them to the people so they can obey them in the land I am giving them as their possession.’”
“So Moses told the people, “You must be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” ~Deuteronomy 5:29-33
“…but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits..” Deut 11:32 NKJV
I’ll give you $100 if you can find “Separation of Church and State” in the US Constitution.
Watch the Teaching here on Facebook LIVE. The notes are below!
ARTICLE 124. In order to ensure to citizens freedom of conscience, the church in the U.S.S.R. is separated from the state, and the school from the church. Freedom of religious worship and freedom of antireligious propaganda is recognized for all citizens. ~1936 CONSTITUTION OF THE USSR
The Naked Communist by Cleon Skousen, 1958
45 Goals (sign up for email list and I will send them to you.)
Common Sense by Thomas Paine uses 1 Samuel 8 and the book of Judges (Gideon) to Refute “Divine Right of kings”
“For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us.” Isaiah 33:22 NKJV
Exodus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 1 laid the foundation of our first State Constitution, The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.
Johnson Amendment 1954: Corporations . . . organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes . . . [can]not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” ~ First Amendment
Our Founding Fathers were covenant people. They took God’s Word seriously. They read His Word through each year, searching for His heart on how to govern their lives. Will you join me on this search?
A Call to Return to the Lord
1 “In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. 2 If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. 4 Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. 5 The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!
6 “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live! 7 The Lord your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate and persecute you. 8 Then you will again obey the Lord and keep all his commands that I am giving you today.
9 “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. 10 The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
The Choice of Life or Death
11 “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. 12 It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ 13 It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ 14 No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.
15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!20 You can make this choice by loving the Lordyour God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors…”
~ Deuteronomy 30:1-20
President George Washington covenanted with God Almighty to bless America as his first official act after his First Inaugural Address at St. John’s Chapel in NYC:
Want to be part of Restoring America’s Biblical Heritage? Join us!
Are you yearning to know Authentic History, but are not sure where to start? As a veteran home schooler, I have spent literally thousands of dollars and hours hunting down original and Biblical Worldview resources so that you do not have to! Here are my favorite four courses for Adult and High school level:
American History, if taught from original documents and the Biblical Worldview, will produce passionate patriotic statesmen and is an exciting adventure for young adults. Learning the stories from original sources, from letters, documents and biographies brings liberty alive.
This American History course is different from most. It is a compilation of original documents written before the 1900’s. It is critical to go back to source letters, documents, articles and publications because America’s history began to be re-written about 1900. There are few public school resources after that, that cite original sources and stay close to authentic history.
Authentic American History highlights the amazing ways God orchestrated to establish the United States of America. You will see His hand in preparing people and moving through centuries and generations. You will explore the Declaration of Independence in depth and be able to clearly explain it to others. You need to know and understand the Biblical underpinnings of your government to walk in and steward Liberty to prosper yourself and the next generation.
As students learn American History from Authentic American History, then they will:
Know their true history and heritage as Americans.
Understand the principles underlying the Cause of Liberty.
Develop better reading, reasoning and writing skills.
Because the course:
Draws from the passion of our stories of Liberty in autobiographies, letters, Historic documents,
Illustrates character development in patriots from assorted countries,
Uses higher reading level sources and inspires better writing using
the “4R’s: Research, Reason, Relate and Record” than what is presently
used in most schools.
Authentic American History covers American History in four nine week quarters. The first volume shares the story of the Word being printed for the common man into his own language and how that affected how he lived. In England, this leads into the Puritans, then the Separatists, then the Pilgrims and their adventure to America. The second volume covers the Colonial period with the stand for Independence. The third volume covers the issue of slavery, into the Civil War and into the second reformation period. We will look into the Progressive era in the fourth quarter, then how to recover our culture for Christ. Students will be reading excerpts from original documents that bring life to the time periods and their studies.
As a general guide, Monday through Thursday will be readings, discussions and short writing assignments to capture the student’s reflections in his own words. Fridays will be used to record essays for our high schoolers, a paragraph for our Logic stage students (Middle school) and a good strong sentence for our Grammar stage students (Elementary aged), if you are enjoying this course as a family. They will learn how to use the “Notebook method” of education which develops brilliant thinkers and virtuous citizens.
To help you in grammar and style, you will want to purchase: (These lessons are woven into the weekly assignments.)
Quarter 4: This text will be emailed; it equips the student to work with organizations that are restoring America’s Biblical Heritage. The first 3 will also be emailed.
The course is $400.00 which includes: Text pdf’s, Video series, syllabus and schedule, Grading and Literature Guides.
You may pay here, please type in AAH in the comment box. All resources will be emailed to you with instructions.
What others say about these courses:
I strongly endorse Brenda’s course on the US Constitution. Every American should take this course. Every American Believer needs to grasp the depth of Biblical truth that was built into the foundations of our country – and then learn exactly what needs to happen to move us back toward our Biblical roots. ~ Sam Chess, Senior Pastor Grace Emmanuel Church
Dr. MacMenamin has taught in a variety of settings including churches and schools on a host of topics. Her classes and seminars are very well received and widely accepted and attended. ~ Dr. David Thompson, Chaplain, SLC Sheriff’s Office Full Reference Letter here.
As prior students of Brenda’s classes, we highly recommend participating in her courses. Her insight is a true gift and a blessing. ~ Leigh & June Lamson
This course not only expanded my understanding of a Biblical worldview of education, but is transforming my soul to God’s will so that I may know Him and reveal Him to all with whom I interact.. ~ Carol Hayes, Retired, Speech-Language Pathologist
