Principles
[xyz-ihs snippet=”ByBenGilmore”]
“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” –[Thomas Paine, The Crisis, no 1, 1776]
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.” –[Samuel Adams]
“ … Your Founding Fathers came over with that (a Biblical foundation). They came over with the doctrines of the New Testament as well as the Old. They looked after one another, not only as a matter of necessity, but as a matter of duty to their God. There is no other country in the world which started that way” — [Margaret Thatcher]
Sound principle or your opinion – By which will you measure alternative choices?
If you have never contemplated a set of principles all you have is opinion. Is your opinion any better than the other guy’s opinion?
“Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk … . For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:9-10]
Where do we find sound principle? The Ten Commandments [Exodus 20] first come to mind. Next Christ’s answer about the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord … and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:37]
How did our Founding Fathers apply these doctrines?
· For example: The principle of “private property”. The 10th Commandment, “Don’t covet your neighbor’s community property?!”
· Again: The principle of “federalism”. “Love God and your neighbor” (Vertical and horizontal) It is difficult to be a citizen of the USA without also being a citizen of one of the states.
· And again: The principle of “separation of powers”. “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king … .” [Isaiah 33:22] (Judicial, Legislative, Executive departments)
If we are to set right our ship-of-state we must restore understanding of such principles. That is ONLY done one-person-at-a-time! Will you or the teens you influence be part of that restoration?
ACH Study Groups offers a 3-month online course, “Principles of American Government” (PAG). We use Skype as a virtual classroom. Normally, the tuition is $195. Because of the current economic stress AND the incredible importance of this topic – we offer this course for what you are able to invest.
NOTE – Experience has shown that without an investment, the value is not recognized.
The course begins on January 7th. Texts may be obtained at a discount from the publisher, else used, from an online search. 24 classes twice daily (9AM & 6PM California time) so you can miss one and catch the other on Monday and Wednesday.
I encourage you to phone or e-mail me and discuss being a member of this class.
For His-story & government –
[xyz-ihs snippet=”ContactBen”]
