Tuesday, January 17, 2012

ABC's and Morality

I am currently studying the early educational system in one of my classes and came accross a neat piece of information.  During the year of 1688 the New England Primer was published became one of the leading textbooks for elementary education in colonial America.  It became to be known as 'the Little Bible' because religious instruction was integrated into the grammar lessons.  The book taught the Alphabet as well as moral and spiritual principles in a way both easy to understand and remember.  Here is an example of the Alphabet:

A- In Adam's fall we sinned all.
B- Heaven to find the Bible to mind.
C- Christ crucified for sinners died.
D-The Deluge drowned the earth around.
E-Elijah hid by ravens fed.
F-The judgment made Felix afraid.
G- As runds the glass our life doth pass.
H-My book and heart must never part.
I-Job feels the rod--Yet bleffes God.
K-Proud Korah's troop was swallowed up.
L-Lot fled to Zoar, saw fiery whower on Sodom pour.
M-Moses was he who Israel's haft led through the sea.
N-Noah did view the old world and new.
O-Yound Obadiah, David, Josias, all were pious.
P-Peter denied His lord and cried.
Q-Queen Esther sues and saves the Jews.
R-Young pious Ruth left all for the truth.
S-Young Samiel dear, the Lord did fear.
T-Young Timothy learned sin to fly.
V-Vasthi for Pride was set aside.
W-Whales in the sea, God's voice obey.
X-Xerxes did die, and so must I.
Y-While youth do chera death may be near.
Z-Zacceus he did climb the tree our Lord to see.