Primary Source Documents Pertaining to Early American
History
An invaluable collection of historical works which contributed to the formation
of American politics, culture, and ideals
The following is a massive collection of the literature and documents which
were most relevant to the colonists' lives in America. If it isn't here, it
probably is not available online anywhere.
ARRANGED IN CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE (500 B.C.-1800 A.D.)
(Use Your Browser's FIND Function to Search this Library)
American
Colonists With Royal Ancestries A large number of American Colonists trace
their roots back to the Kings and Queens of Europe. Here is a list of some of
them.
Classical Literature Having Significant Influence
Upon the American Colonists
Classic
Philosophers and Poets, Most of the founding fathers in America were
thorougly familiar with these Greco-Roman authors: e.g., Aristotle, Plato,
Cicero, Virgil.
Ancient
and Medieval Classics, The Great Books of Western Civilization now
available online. These writings provide the European framework of the cultural
backdrop in which America was established.
The Latin Library, (Cicero,
Livy, Horace, etc.) Ability to read these sources extemporaneously was an
entrance requirement at colonial schools such as Harvard.
VULGATE, The Holy Bible In Latin Language With Douay-Rheims English Translation
The Holy Bible was, of course, the most influential piece of literature in Colonial America
A The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible; Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Expanded edition (April 13, 2010). This hardbound book includes includes expanded Hebrew and Greek dictionaries, as well as the best of Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary.
BibleGateway, A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.
Bible, A searchable online Bible, multiple versions and languages.
Logos Bible Software 4, Software to aid investigation of the original meaning by studying the Bible's Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words. Multiple upgrades, also en Espanol.
St. Augustine was the church father of choice among American Puritans.
St. Augustine,
English translations of his works on predestination which greatly influenced
the Puritans.
Major Medieval Sources Having Significant Influence Upon
the American Colonists
Ordinance of
William the Conqueror Sowing the seeds of separation of Church and State in
the English world.
Laws of
William the Conqueror Constitutions of
Clarendon (1164) Established rights of laymen and the church in England.
Assize of Clarendon
(1166) Defined rights and duties of courts and people in criminal cases.
Foundation of the principle of "due process."
Assize of Arms
(1181) Defined rights and duties of people and militias.
Magna Carta (1215)
One of the American colonists' most revered documents, the Magna Carta
established the principle that no one, not even the king or a lawmaker, is
above the law of God.
De Legibus Et
Consuetudinibus Angliæ, (index page for several framed "simultaneous-view" versions) - Henry de Bracton (1268) This text was the most important legal treatise written in England in the medieval period as it organized, systematized, and explicated the principles of English Common Law later embraced by the American colonists.
Summa Theologica, St. Thomas
Aquinas (1265-1273) Pinnacle of Scholasticism. Covering a wide range of topics,
by the colonial times, most educated people in the Western world were
thoroughly familiar with this important text.
Marco Polo's Travels [excerpt] (@1300), the description of the South Pacific which inspired Columbus to attempt to go to India by way of the Atlantic.
The First Manual of Parliamentary Procedure (@ 1350)
An English
Law Library, The sources studied by many of the lawyers who founded the U.S.
The Declaration of
Arbroath (1320) Scotland's declaration of independence from England. An
early model for the U.S. Declaration, this document ends with a phrase parallel
to that of the U.S. Declaration: "and to Him as the Supreme King and Judge
we commit the maintenance of our cause, casting our cares upon Him and firmly
trusting that He will inspire us with courage and bring our enemies to
nought."
Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century Sources Profoundly
Impacting the History of America
Malleus Maleficarum, Directions for witch hunting (1486)
Journal,
Christopher Columbus, (1492). This document begins with Columbus' statement
that the reason why Isabella sponsored his voyage was for the sake of going to
India to convert Khan to Roman Catholicism.
Epistola De
Insulis Nuper Inventis, Christopher Columbus (1493)
Letter to the
King and Queen of Spain, Christopher Columbus (1494)
King Henry VII's
Commission to John Cabot (1497) Cabot was the first Englishman to discover
New England.
The Prince,
Machiavelli (1513) Practical advice on governance and statecraft, with thoughts
on the kinds of problems any government must be able to solve to endure.
Works
of Martin Luther, The father of the Protestant Reformation, his principles
were a major part of the American colonists' worldview.
Temporal Authority: To What Extent it Should Be Obeyed, Luther (1523). Also referred to as "On Secular Authority", this document started the political discussion about religious
liberty which led to the American Revolution. In this document Luther sets
forth the idea of "two kingdoms," one is political and the other is
spiritual, and the two ought be separate. President James Madison commended
this "due distinction, to which the genius and courage of Luther led the
way, between what is due to Caesar and what is due to God." (Madison to
F.L. Schaeffer, December 3, 1821).
The Bondage of
the Will, Luther (1524). Luther claimed that this particular document was
the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation; it argues the idea of
predestination and God's sovereignty, two principles which were paramount to
many of the American colonists.
The
Act of Supremacy, Henry VIII (1534). By this act, the English Reformation
began, and the pope was stripped of his jurisdiction over the English Church.
This allowed Lutheran principles to make their way into the English church, and
led to the birth of Puritanism.
Institutes
of the Christian Religion, John Calvin (1540). Calvin's magnum opus. The
most celebrated American historian, George Bancroft, called Calvin "the
father of America," and added: "He who will not honor the memory and
respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American
liberty." To John Calvin and the Genevan theologians, President John Adams
credited a great deal of the impetus for religious liberty (Adams, WORKS,
VI:313). This document includes a justification for rebellion to tyrants by
subordinate government officials; this particular justification was at the root
of the Dutch, English, and American Revolutions.
The Journey
of Alvar Nuñez Cabeza De Vaca (1542)
From The
Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies, Copernicus (1543). This document
touched off the Scientific Revolution as it repudiated the Geocentric theory
and asserted a Heliocentric theory of the solar system.
The Council of Trent
(1545) The Roman Catholic responses to the Protestant Reformation.
A Short Treatise on
Political Power, John Ponet, D.D. (1556) President John Adams
credited this
Calvinist document as being at the root of the theory of government
adopted by the the Americans. According to Adams, Ponet's work contained
"all the essential principles of liberty, which were afterward dilated on
by Sidney and Locke" including the idea of a three-branched government.
(Adams, Works, vol. 6, pg. 4). Published in Strassbourg in 1556, it is
one of the first works out of the Reformation to advocate active resistance to
tyrannical magistrates, with the exception of the Magdeburg Bekkentis (the
Magdeburg Confession).
How Superior Powers Ought
to Be Obeyed by Their Subjects, Christopher Goodman (1558). Justifying a
Christian's right to resist a tyrannical ruler. Goodman indicated that he had
presented the thesis of this book to John Calvin, and Calvin endorsed it.
The
First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women, John
Knox (1558). A vigorous critique of the tyranny of "Bloody Mary's"
reign in England, and a call to resist. A large portion of the Americans who
fought in the American Revolution were adherents to Knox's doctrines as set
forth in this document.
Act of
Supremacy, Elizabeth I (1559). After the brief and bloody reign of her
sister, Mary I, who executed numerous Protestants for the cause of Roman
Catholicism, this document states Elizabeth's intention to reaffirm the English
Church's independence from Rome. Her beloved status among her subjects caused
the first settlers of America to name their colony "Virginia" in
honor of this virgin queen.
Complete Works of
Elizabeth I, Including her letters and her poems.
Writings and
Speeches of Elizabeth I Foxe's Book of Martyrs
(1563). Detailing the bloody persecutions of Puritans during the reign of Mary
I, this book was second only to the Bible in its popularity in the American
colonies. Supralapsarian Calvinism, Theodore Beza (1570) Laying out the principle that God willed and predestined the fall of Adam and the existence of sin and evil. This assertion became the most controversial philosophical conflict among American
colonists up through the 19th century.
The Scholemaster
(1570) Philosophy of Education among English people, particularly with respect
to the importance of learning Latin.
The Thirty-Nine
Articles of Religion (1571) The official statement of faith of the Church
of England; this document formally adopts the Calvinistic doctrine of
predestination and repudiates common notion of "free will."
Treasons
Act (1571) Forbidding criticism of Queen Elizabeth.
The St. Bartholomew's Day
Massacre (1572)
The Right of Magistrates
Over Their Subjects, Theodore Beza (1574). Expanding upon Calvin's
political resistance theory set forth in the final chapters of his Institutes,
this work by Calvin's successor in Geneva, Theodore Beza, was published in
response to the growing tensions between Protestant and Catholic in France,
which culminated in the St. Bartholomew Day Massacre in 1572. This text
suggests that it is the right of a Christian to revolt against a tyrannical
King: a principle central to the American colonists' cause.
Of the Tabaco and of His
Greate Vertues, Nicholas Monardes (1577)
The Works of Sir Walter
Raleigh, Sponsor of the First Settlements in Virginia
De Jure Regni apud
Scotos, George Buchanan (1579) Considered the most important piece of
political writing in the 16th century as it articulated the doctrine of
"the rule of law."
Vindiciae
Contra Tyrannos, or, A Vindication Against Tyrants (1579). This Calvinist
document is one of the first to set forth the theory of "social
contract" upon which the United States was founded. The idea was
disseminated through the English Calvinists to the pen of John Locke, and
eventually into the Declaration of Independence. John Adams reported the
relevance of this document to the American struggle.
The Dutch
Declaration of Independence (1581); This Calvinistic document served as a
model for the U.S. Declaration of Independence. In his Autobiography, Jefferson
indicated that the "Dutch Revolution" gave evidence and confidence to
the Second Continental Congress that the American Revolution could likewise
commence and succeed. Recent scholarship has suggested that Jefferson may have consciously drawn on this document.
John Adams said that the Dutch charters had "been particularly studied,
admired, and imitated in every State" in America, and he stated that
"the analogy between the means by which the two republics [Holland and
U.S.A.] arrived at independency... will infallibly draw them together."
A Briefe and
True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia, Thomas Hariot. (from this page, either view on-line or use button on left side of page to download as a pdf file)
Discourse of
Western Planting, Richard Hakluyt, (1584)
Adam Winthrop's Commonplace Book (1586) Early diary of a Puritan whose family eventually
settled in America.
The Colony of
Roanoke, Ralph Lane (1586). The first English attempt at colonizing the New
World
Return To
Roanoake, John White (1590) Relating the surprise of the loss of the
Roanoake colony and the few clues left regarding their fate.
An Act Against
Papists (1593) Parliament's tough words against those who would attempt to
depose Elizabeth for her Protestantism.
Works of Richard
Hooker (1593) Anglican political commentator and major influence upon John
Locke.
A Trew Law of Free Monarchs, James I Stuart (1598). Championed the doctrine of "Divine Right of Kings." This oppressive political theory contributed to the exodus of the Puritans to America in 1630, and resistance to it was the
ultimate goal of three revolutions: 1) the Puritan Revolution of the 1640s, 2) the Glorious Revolution, and 3) the American Revolution.
The Dutie of A King, Sir Walter Raleigh (1599) Promoting the doctrine of "Divine Right of Kings."
The Geneva Bible was the Bible of choice for the Puritans, the Calvinists, and the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock. It was first published in English in 1560 in Geneva, then updated in 1599. This introduction to The Geneva Bible provides some historical reference to aid understanding, and discusses the 'margin notes' and the footnotes which provide a Calvinistic theological interpretation of the Bible. This study The Geneva Bible (1560/1599) presents the Bible both with and without footnotes. As the Bible of choice in New England, it is distincly different from the KJV of 1609 or 1611.
ANever Before in History: America's Inspired Birth
by Gary Amos and Richard Gardiner; Publisher: Foundation for Thought and Ethics (January 1, 2011).
This analysis begins with recognizing the influence of humanity's greatest philosophers on the creation of America. Close analysis shows that Christianity's role was profound, giving rise to our political ideals of religious liberty, inalienable rights, and secular reform.
This book also has a textbook version.
Your purchase of this hardbound book through our link (the green "A" icon) will aid us in preserving and maintaining this web-site.
Seventeenth Century Sources Relating to American
History
For this entry, the previous subject matter was "Original Dictionaries of the 16th & 17th Centuries" and was linked to excellent work done at the University of Toronto. Time has marched on, links disappear. The works have matured and expanded. Our original list was--;
(Six bilingual dictionaries)
John Palsgrave (1530; English-French),
Sir Thomas Elyot (1538; Latin-English),
William Thomas (1550; Italian-English),
Thomas Thomas (1587; Latin-English),
John Florio (1598; Italian-English),
Randle Cotgrave (1611; French-English)
(Four English hard-word dictionaries) - (These give pairs of French, Italian, and Latin dictionaries, each pair separated by 50-80 years)
Edmund Coote (1596)
Robert Cawdrey (1604; courtesy of Raymond Siemens)
John Bullokar (1616)
Henry Cockeram (1623)
(One English word-list)
Richard Mulcaster (1582)
(The first full English-only dictionary)
Thomas Blount (1656)
Queen Elizabeth's
Farewell (1601)
The Works of King James I Voyages,
Samuel de Champlain (1604)
Primary Sources
Pertaining to the Gunpowder Plot (1605)
The First Virginia
Charter (1606)
accompanying history and a variety of interesting maps at
Boundaries and Charters of Virginia Instructions
for the Virginia Colony (1606)
Works of
Francis Bacon, Identified by Jefferson as one of his three most profound
influences.
Works of
Shakespeare The
Settlement at Jamestown, John Smith (1607)
The Foundation
of Quebec, Samuel de Champlain (1608)
Full Text of Robert
Juet's Journal (1609)
The
Second Virginia Charter (1609)
John Smyth's Confession
(1609) the religion of a Baptist.
The Church At Jamestown, William Strachey (1610) (just below middle of the page)
The
Third Virginia Charter (1612)
Good
News From Virginia, Alexander Whitaker (1613)
An
Ordinance and Constitution of the Virginia Company in England for a Council Pocahontas, John Smith (1616)
The Starving Time, John Smith.
Lawes_Divine_Morall_and_Martiall Useful summary of developments and timeline for the larger compilation in the following item. Begun in Jamestown in 1610 and 1611, these laws are the earliest extant English-language body of laws in the western hemisphere. It was not a legal code in the modern sense.
Laws of Virginia (as compiled and published 1612 in London, England). Long title is For The Colony in Virginea Britannia. Lawes Divine, Morall and Martiall, &c. In this document, the commonly known "Laws of Virginia" begin to display on what is identified as "page 9" yet this web-page is a single document/page.
1619: Laws enacted by the First General Assembly of Virginia Laws and Documents relating to religion in early Virginia, 1606-1660 Interesting timeline and digest format
Indentured Servants In The U.S. Indentured Servants In The U.S. This blog/journal/post has numerous citations, mostly PBS, about comparing and merging the concepts of indentured servitude (began in 1607 with Europeans) and slavery and the beginnings of racism. Describes arrival of the first African slaves in 1619.
Works of Arminius
Arminius was a Dutchman who dared to challenge Luther and Calvin on the
predestination issue. His writings led to a major controversy in Holland while
the "Pilgrims" were residing there. Arminius's views were adopted by
Archbishop Laud of England, which greatly contributed to the English
Calvinists' desire to leave England in 1630.
Canons of Dort (1619). The
Synod at Dort in the Netherlands was called to respond to the views of the
Arminians. Participating in this Synod moderated by Gomarus was the leader of
the Pilgrims, as well as William Ames (the leading Puritan theologian of the
day). As a result of this synod, the "five points of Calvinism" were
developed. The "five points," also called TULIP, became a centerpiece
of Puritanism and were ardently defended by American Calvinists such as
Jonathan Edwards. The conflict between Calvinists and Arminians was perhaps the
most explosive debate in America in the early 18th century. On the Calvinist
side, Americans such as Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Edwards wrote
philosophical defenses; on the Arminian side, John Wesley was the premiere
mouthpiece. While Madison wrote in defense of Calvinism, Thomas Jefferson
utterly repudiated it.
Charter of New
England (1620)
Mayflower Compact
(1620). The first political covenant of the New England migration.
Of State
and General Assembly, 24 July 1621.
Of Plymouth
Plantation (Written 1630-1654, first published 1854). This is Governor
William Bradford's history of Plymouth, the most comprehensive primary source
available on early Plymouth.
Of Plymouth
Plantation, William Bradford. An eyewitness history of the first English
settlers of New England.
Mourt's Relation: A Journal
of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. (London, 1622). This journal, written by
several Pilgrims--namely William Bradford and Edward Winslow--records events at
Plymouth from the Mayflower's arrival in November 1620 through the First
Thanksgiving in October 1621, and everything in between.
The Sin and Danger of
Self-Love (1621) There were no clergymen among the pilgrims at Plymouth
when they first settled. This sermon was written and given by a layman, Robert
Cushman, to the Plymouth congregation in December 1621. Robert Cushman was a
member of the Pilgrims church in Leyden, Holland, and came on (and returned in)
the ship Fortune.
Letters written by the Pilgrims Letter of an Indentured Servant (1623)
Last Wills and
Testaments of the Settlers at Plymouth We can tell a lot about a
culture by looking at their wills.
Good Newes from New England (London, 1624). This book, authored by Edward Winslow, continues
the journal in Mourt's Relation, covering the years 1622 and 1623 at Plymouth.
An Appeal for War
Against Spain (1624)
Of the Law of War and Peace, Hugo Grotius (1625, Latin) One of the first works on international law.
Account of the Purchase of Manhattan (1626) The source of the $24 dollar legend.
The First Part of the Institutes of the Laws of England, Sir Edward Coke (1628)
-also- ../coke/coke1st.htm
Written by a Puritan leader of Parliament, this document was almost the only
textbook for lawyers (e.g., Jefferson) during the American Colonial Period.
Coke's influence over the minds of American politicians is inestimable. Clear
traces between Coke and the U.S. Constitution are apparent in this work.
The Petition of
Right, Sir Edward Coke (1628). This document set forth complaints of the
members of Parliament to King Charles I regarding rights of due process.
Charles did not receive this complaint warmly. As a result, Charles I shut down
Parliament, which ultimately culminated in the English Civil War, and
contributed to the exodus of 20,000 Puritans to New England.
Protests of the House of Commons, Documents showing the growth of Parliament's hatred for King Charles I, first complaining against his closet Catholicism, his Arminianism, and his presumptuousness in levying taxes without the consent of Parliament.
Experiencia, John
Winthrop. A Journal of Religious Experiences.
The Salem Covenant (1629)
Charter of Massachusetts
Bay (1629). This document sets forth the Puritans' commission in New England.
The Library of John
Winthrop's Father, A catalogue of the books available for the Puritan Laywer who founded Boston.
Pratt's
Memoir of the
Wessagussett Plantation, (1622/23)
Reasons for
the Plantation in New England (circa
1628). This document states clearly and forcefully that the motivations of the
Puritans who came to New England @ 1630 were fundamentally
religious.
Adventurers who founded the Massachusetts Bay Commonwealth (1628-1630)
Savage's Genealogical
Dictionary of New England This comprehensive source lists the entire families who lived in New England in the early 17th century.
A Short and True
Description of New England, by the Rev. Francis Higginson
(1629)
The Cambridge Agreement
among the leaders of the settlement (1629)
History of the First
Settlements as told by Capt. John Smith, Admiral of New England
(1629)
The Constitution of the
Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay (1629)
Medulla Theologica
(The Marrow of Theology), William Ames (1629). The Medulla was the
principal required textbook in the Ivy League in the American Colonial Period.
One cannot adequately grasp the intellectual climate of New England without
understanding the concepts in this book. The following two sections on the
Decrees of God and Predestination highlight the central peculiarities of
Puritan theology. Ames was unequivocal in stating that God controls the
universe and that humans do not "change" or "determine"
God's behavior in any way.
The Marrow of Theology,
William Ames (1629)
A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop (1630). A sermon preached aboard one of the ships carrying the Puritans to New England. The Boston Covenant (1630)
The Watertown Covenant (1630)
The Humble Request of the Puritan emigrants (1630)
The Oath of a Freeman, including a list of men who took this oath (1630-36)
Advertisements to Planters of New England, by Capt. John Smith (1631)
Letter to William Pond (1631)
The Indictment of Galileo (1633) The height of the conflict between religion and science.
The Glorious Work in Maryland, Andrew White, S.J. (1633)
THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR (first, 1642-6)
The English Civil War: A people's history by Diane Purkiss. Review of a book containing first-Hand military accounts of the English Civil War, including an account that was used as evidence against Charles I in 1649 - purported to be the first war crimes trial. It also illuminates the evolution of the techniques of war, such as "Women come to the fore as battlefield cooks and nurses."
-and-
English Civil War, first (1642-6) Synopsis of events and timeframe
Lex Rex, Samuel Rutherford (1644). This treatise systematized the Calvinistic
political theories which had developed over the previous century. Rutherford
was a colleague of John Locke's parents. Most of John Locke's Second
Treatise on Government is reflective of Lex Rex. From Rutherford and
other Commonwealthmen such as George Lawson, through Locke, these theorists
provided the roots of the Declaration of Independence. This page provides the
list of questions Lex Rexaddresses.
Lex, Rex, Samuel Rutherford (1644). This excerpt shows Rutherford's social contract theory and includes the Puritan theory of resistance to a tyrant.
Lex, Rex, or The Law and the Prince; a Dispute for the Just Prerogative of King and People Author: Samuel Rutherford, newly set type by Portage Publications, Medium: Hi-fidelity Portable Document Format (PDF), Last Updated: June 19, 2010, Download Size: 1.6 MB, Suggested Donation: US $2.00
Areopagitica, John Milton (1644). A treatise arguing that true Christianity can win its own
arguments, and does not need to worry about challenges from other points of
view, and therefore, the Government should not prevent the publication of any
ideas. This idea was later articulated by Locke in his Letters Concerning
Toleration, and picked up by Madison and Jefferson in their establishment of
religious liberty in the U.S.
A Description of New Amsterdam by Isaac Joques (1644) Situated under the heading "NOVUM BELGIUM" 1646
On Liberty, John Winthrop (1645) Discusses liberties demanded by the colonists.
Hypocricie Unmasked (London, 1646). This is a religious treatise written by Edward Winslow.
The Character of A Puritan, John Geree (1646)
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) [as a lead page to multiple html files] In addition to being the decree of Parliament as the standard for Christian doctrine in the British Kingdom, it was adopted as the official statement of belief for the colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Although slighlty altered and called by different names, it was
the creed of Congregationalist, Baptist, and Presbyterian Churches throughout
the English speaking world. Assent to the Westminster Confession was officially
required at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Princeton scholar, Benjamin Warfield
wrote: "It was impossible for any body of Christians in the [English]
Kingdoms to avoid attending to it."
-also-
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) [as a single pdf file]
The Westminster Catechism (1646) Second only to the Bible, the "Shorter Catechism" of the Westminster Confession was the most widely published piece of literature in the pre-revolutionary era in America.
It is estimated that some five million copies were available in the colonies. With a total
population of only four million people in America at the time of the Revolution, the number is staggering.
The Westminster Catechism was not only a
central part of the colonial educational curriculum, learning it was required
by law. Each town employed an officer whose duty was to visit homes to hear the
children recite the Catechism. The primary schoolbook for children, the New
England Primer, included the Catechism. Daily recitations of it were required
at these schools. Their curriculum included memorization of the Westminster
Confession and the Westminster Larger Catechism. There was not a person at
Independence Hall in 1776 who had not been exposed to it, and most of them had
it spoon fed to them before they could walk.
A
Petition to Establish the Laws of England in America (1646)
New England's Salamander Discovered. (London, 1647). This is another religious treatise
written by Edward Winslow.
The Old Deluder Act (1647)
The
Simple Cobbler of Aggawamm in America, Nathaniel Ward (1647) [free to download the entire pdf file, merely enter the visual code verification]
An
Agreement of the People (1647) A proposal for a republican government in England
-and local page-
An Agreement of the People (1647)
Blue Laws, New Haven
The Original Indian Deed for East-Hampton (1648)
The Cambridge Platform (1648)
The Maryland
Toleration Act (1649)
King Charles I's Speech at His Trial (1649); Including Judge Bradshaw's response appealing to social contract theory.
The Execution of Charles I Stuart (1649)
King Charles I's Speech Just Before His Execution (1649)
Of the Non-Compelling of Heathens, Samuel Rutherford (1649) Exploring the extent to which a government can coerce religious conformity.
An Agreement of the Free
People of England (1649) The manifesto of the Levellers, the leaders of the
1649 English Civil War that deposed Charles I and brought a period of
parliamentary rule. It expresses many of the ideals that later inspired the
American Revolution.
The Tenure of Kings and
Magistrates (1650) by John Milton in defense of the execution of Charles I
by the British Parliament a few days after its occurance. It includes an
excellent evaluation and summation of the political literature produced on the
Continent in the 16th Century. Charles I was the first monarch executed in
Europe by his subjects, setting the stage for a religious struggle which would
grip Britain for several decades to come.
Leviathan, Thomas
Hobbes (1651) Laid basis for social contract theory, providing branching point
for the theories of constitutionalism and fascism.
Salem Residents to the year
1651
The Gospel Covenant, Rev.
Peter Bulkely (1651)
Sumptuary Laws
in New England (1651) Laws regarding what one may and may not
wear.
The Deed Assignment to the
Inhabitants of East-Hampton (1651)
The
Instrument of Government, 1653; The Constitution of the English
Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Many of the founders, such as Samuel Adams,
considered Oliver Cromwell their hero, and considered the Commonwealth as the
glory years of England.
Healing
Question, Sir Henry Vane, 1656, published the following tract, expounding
the principles of civil and religious liberty, and proposed that method of
forming a constitution, through a convention called for the purpose, which was
actually followed in America after the Revolution.
The Commonwealth of Oceana, James Harrington (1656) Outline of a plan for republican government.
The Flushing Remonstrance (1657) _-[also see "History of Flushing Meeting" in left margin] Proclamation granting liberty to "Jews, Muslims,
and Quakers" on Long Island, New York, on the grounds of New Testament
graciousness. Extremely progressive for the American colonies.
Goody Garlick Testimony
in Witchcraft Trial (1657) Begin reading on page 19.
Forward to the Revision of the New Plymouth Laws (1658)
A
Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes; Showing That it Is Not Lawful
For Any Power on Earth to Compel in Matters of Religion, John Milton
(1659). A formative influence upon the ideals of religious toleration adopted
by John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
The Declaration of Breda, King Charles II Stuart (1660), As the Stuart King was to be
restored to the throne after the end of the reign of the Puritan Protectorates,
one of his first decisions was to attempt to avoid another religious war, by
granting religious liberty to "tender consciences," so long as they
did not disturb the peace.
The Restoration of Charles II to the Throne of England (1660); A Declaration of
Both Houses of Parliament.
Excerpts
from the Navigation Acts, 1660-1696, The first Parliamentary legislation
toward the colonies which would lead to the colonial rebellion of the
eighteenth century.
Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Francis Turretin (1660)--;
Institutes of Elenctic Theology, [excerpt on predestination] Francis Turretin (1660)
The principle textbook used by students in American colleges in the 18th century
(used at Princeton into the late 19th century).
Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Vol. 1,. Volume 1 (of 3 books), 1st through 10th topics, reviewed by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
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Institutes of Elenctic Theology free download of pdf file of all 20 topics.
Theologico-Political Treatise by Baruch de Spinoza (1670) Discussed the ultimate source of legitimate political power. Two versions offered for comparison--;
Theologico-Political Treatise, Read on-line Samuel Shirley is the 2nd Edition translator working from Gebhardt 1st Edition translation in Heidelberg in 1925 - - included advanced notations and corrections beyond Elwes.
Theologico-Political Treatise, local copy Scanned and converted to searchable HTML. Source was original complete English translation by R.M.H. Elwes in 1883 working from Bruder's 1843 Latin text - - several inaccuracies known.
Patriarcha, Robert Filmer. A treatise defending the "divine right of Kings." This
was the document which Locke and Sydney both had in mind as they wrote their
political tracts which formed the American founders' political theory. Although
this was written around 1640 in defense of Charles I's divine right, it was not
published until 1680.
ANever Before in History: America's Inspired Birth
by Gary Amos and Richard Gardiner; Publisher: Foundation for Thought and Ethics (January 1, 2011).
This analysis begins with recognizing the influence of humanity's greatest philosophers on the creation of America. Close analysis shows that Christianity's role was profound, giving rise to our political ideals of religious liberty, inalienable rights, and secular reform.
This book also has a textbook version.
Your purchase of this hardbound book through our link (the green "A" icon) will aid us in preserving and maintaining this web-site.
Eighteenth Century Sources Which Profoundly Impacted
American History
One Hundred Documents Pertaining to Africans and Slavery in America Massive collection of primary sources regarding slavery in America. An even larger resource has been developed at Black History: Chronological Topics The Selling of Joseph, Samuel Sewall (1700) An argument against the slave trade.
A Memorial Representing the Present State of Religion on the Continent of North America, Thomas Bray, D.D. (1700) Documenting the Anglican view of the colonists and appended with a proposition to found the SPG (Society for Progating the Gospel).
King William Addresses Parliament on the French Question, 31 December 1701
A Christian At His Calling, Cotton Mather (1701)
Magnalia Christi Americana, Cotton Mather (1702) This link opens to the page for "A General Introduction", one of the more commonly cited parts of this work.
Robert Beverley on Bacon's Rebellion, 1704, various aspects-;
Robert Beverley on Bacon's Rebellion_ContextComments to aid perspective
Robert Beverley on Bacon's Rebellion_Full textRobert Beverley on Bacon's Rebellion, 1704 Nice 'modernization' based on the original document. The lead page includes more useful commentary - - (History repeats itself – compare the grievances cited in this commentary to our current 2011 economic and political conditions) - -
Bacon's Rebellion appears at first sight to be a simple uprising of backwoods farmers
against the ruling class of rich planters in Virginia, and indeed, the author of this
account labels it a "civil war," but it was more layered than that. The leaders of the
rebellion, primarily Nathaniel Bacon, were well-to-do men themselves who were
excluded from the powered elite led by Governor William Berkeley (among them
Robert Beverley, the father of the author of this account). In addition, they were
excluded from the lucrative Indian trade monopolized by Berkeley's friends. Using the
very real grievances of the common farmers - - falling tobacco profits, rising taxes,
reduced opportunities to buy their own farms, harsh shipping regulations imposed by
England, and finally, the outbreak of war between the backwoods farmers and the
Susquehannock Indians (with whom Berkeley wanted to maintain trade).... Source cited for this was Alan Taylor, American Colonies: The Settlement of North America (New York: Penguin Books, 2001), pp. 146-150.
Money and Trade Considered With a Proposal for Supplying the Nation with Money, by John Law (1705)
Slavery and the Law in Virginia (1639-1705)
The Repentance of a Salem Witchcraft Accuser, Ann Putnam (1706)
Philosophical Commentary, Pierre Bayle (1708) A writer recommended by Thomas Jefferson,
Bayle criticised French Catholic persecution of Protestants; and argued for toleration as a matter of Biblical principle.
William Byrd's Diary [excerpt] (1709)
William Byrd's Diary [excerpts regarding slave punishments] (1709)
Theopolis Americana ("God's City: America"), Cotton Mather (1709) This excerpt from Mather's sermon shows how Mather, with other Puritans, believed that America was truly the "Promised Land." This thinking led ultimately to the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, whereby Anglo-Americans believed that it was their divine commission to spread their culture from Atlantic to Pacific.
Awakening Truths Tending to Conversion, Increase Mather (1710). A sermon wrestling with the paradox between predestination and man's effort toward salvation. Mather appears nearly contradictory throughout.
About the Duties of Husbands and Wives, Benjamin Wadsworth (1712)
Curriculum of the Boston Latin Grammar School (1712)
The History of the Common Law of England, Matthew Hale (1713)
Documents Concerning the Jacobite Rebellion The North Carolina Biennal Act (1715)
Vindication of the Government of New England Churches, John Wise (1717) A Puritan political sermon which included most of the principles of government embraced by the founders of the U.S.
The Angel of Bethesda, Cotton Mather. Here, as a watershed in the history of medical science in America, Mather takes a position in favor of inoculation.
Selections from Cato's Letters, John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon (1720-23) English newspaper articles advocating Whig principles, which much influenced the American colonists.
Constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy A model for a federal system of government for several Native American nations, Franklin lauded the Iroquois for their ability to confederate.
Statutes of the College of William and Mary (1727) The rules governing the college where Thomas Jefferson received his training.
Massachusetts
House of Representatives on the Governor's Salary, 11 September 1728
Governor Burnet of Massachusetts on the Governor's Salary, 17 September 1728
The Story of Venture Smith (1729-1809)
Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting, Andrew Clarkson (1731); arguing against unconditional submission to the National Church and magistrates.
Dissertation Upon Parties, Henry St. John Bolingbroke (1733). A heavy influence upon Jefferson.
Founding Vision for Georgia, General James Oglethorpe (1733)
Negotiations Regarding the Settlement of the Georgia Colony, Count Zinzendorf (1733)
Transcript of the Trial of Peter Zenger_local copy (1735)
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Trial of Peter Zenger_intro interesting comment - - "English law at the time, which was designed to protect the government from critical elements, dictated that truth was not a defense to libel. The jury, however, exonerated Zenger thereby establishing an ongoing central tenet to defamation law: that truth is an absolute defense. This decision proved to not only redefine the law of libel and slander but also to lay the foundation for the freedom of the press that we enjoy today."
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Trial of Peter Zenger_full text Page 1, electronic text, navigation buttons at bottom
Letters on the Study and Use of History, Henry St. John Bolingbroke (1735)
On Patriotism, Bolingbroke (1736)
Governor Gabriel Johnston's request to repeal the Biennal act, 18 October 1736
Disposition of the North Carolina Biennal Act (1737) Summary - click on button for full text.
The Idea of a Patriot King, Bolingbroke (1738)
Discourse on the Five Points_local copy [Of Calvinism], Daniel Whitby. The text which incited Jonathan Edwards to write his most important book, The Freedom of the Will. Of Efficacious Grace_intro, John Gill (1738) Defense of Calvinism by a celebrated English Calvinist. This work is found in Part II, Chapter 4, of The Cause of God and Truth, go here for = index page and use the browser function to read further with SECTION 1. - Ephesians 1:19, 20 - of 16 sections in this chapter.
Intentions of the SPG (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) (1740) The desire of this group to land an Anglican Bishop in the American colonies ignited the American Revolution.
The True Scripture-Doctrine Concerning Some Important Points of the Christian Faith, Jonathan Dickinson (1741) Jonathan Dickinson was the first President of the College at Princeton, New Jersey. In this excerpt, Dickinson states that
atheism is pure "stupidity" and "madness." Dickinson's opinion in this regard represented the consensus in America. Subsequently all of the founders of the United States were certain of the existence of a Deity. On the other hand, Dickinson here emphasizes the doctrine of Predestination, which was the central controversy of the eighteenth century in the Colonies. Colonists' opinions were divided in this regard. Earlier in the century predestination was the majority view, but by the end of the century a belief in "free-will" had become prevalent among many such as Methodists.
The Works Of Jonathan Edwards, Enlightenment Philosopher, Theologian, Orator, Scientist; Edwards was the most important American-born Great Awakening preacher and defender of orthodox Calvinism. This page links to both volumes of "Works of..." as well as other titles.
Sermons of George Whitefield, Known for his supreme oratory skills, Whitefield was the most famous inter-colonial celebrity during the Great Awakening. The inter-colonial nature of Whitefield's ministry was an important step in the development of the intercolonial union which commenced in the 1760's and 70's. A strong advocate of predestination, Whitefield entered into a bitter dispute with his Methodist colleague, John Wesley over the issue, and the movement was split.
The Works of John Wesley, An English preacher, Wesley developed the practice of itinerant preaching: out of doors, traveling long distances on horseback. Wesley was a strong opponent of the Calvinism which was prevalent in America.
Letters of John Wesley The Essential Rights and Liberties of Protestants, Elisha Williams (1744) An excerpt explaining what makes something a person's property, from a Boston minister who vigorously promoted liberty of conscience.
Regulations at Yale College (1745) Showing the centrality of Calvinism and the Westminster Confession in colonial higher education.
The Presence of Great God in the Assembly of Political Rulers, John Barnard (1746) A early warning against tyranny from one of Boston's ministers.
Narrative of the Deliverance of Briton Hammond, An account of an African-American taken captive by Native Americans (1747)
The Principles of Natural Law, J. Burlamaqui, tr. Thomas Nugent (1748, tr. Thomas Nugent 1752) This was the textbook on political theory used at Harvard. It was this book that gave James Otis, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Joseph Warren, and John Adams their understanding of political science.
The Principles of Politic Law, J. Burlamaqui, tr. Thomas Nugent (1748, tr. Thomas Nugent 1752) Sequel to The Principles of Natural Law carrying natural law into constitutional law. Commentary on the ideas of Grotius, Hobbes, Puffendorf, Barbeyrac, Locke, Clarke, and Hutchinson. This page includes discussion by Peter Korkman that "The Burlamaqui that reached British and American universities and was read for generations was Principles of Natural and Politic Law. Much of Burlamaqui's audience took the latter half of this work to be just as much his as the former... - - ... Others who had read their Pufendorf with care may have recognized many borrowed passages..."
The Spirit of Laws, Charles de Montesquieu, (1748, tr. Thomas Nugent 1752) Laid the foundations for the theory of republican government, particularly the concepts of the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial, a federal republic, representatives elected from political subdivisions, a bicameral legislature, and a system of checks and balances. Montesquieu was the most frequently cited political theorist during the founding of the U.S.
An Inquiry into the Principles of Political Economy, James Steuart. Recommended by Jefferson as one of the best books on political science.
History of Massachusetts Bay, Thomas Hutchinson, excerpt regarding coinage.
Remarks on the Fable of the Bees, Frances Hutcheson (1750)
A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers, Jonathan Mayhew (1750) About this document, John Adams wrote, "It was read by everybody; celebrated by friends, and abused by enemies... It spread an universal alarm against the authority of Parliament. It excited a general and just apprehension, that bishops, and dioceses, and churches, and priests, and tithes, were to be imposed on us by Parliament." This sermon has been called the spark which ignited the American Revolution. This illustrates that the Revolution was not only about stamps and taxes but also about religious liberty.
Petition to Parliament: Reasons for Making Bar, as well as Pig or Sow-iron (ca. 1750)
Petition to Parliament: Reason Against a General Prohibition of the Iron Manufacture in Plantations Memoir on the English Aggression, October 1750
Memoir on the French Colonies in North America, December 1750
Adams, Franklin, and Madison: Accounts of Their Original Plans to be Christian Clergymen Of Party Divisions, William Livingston (1753)
A Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1754) Discussion on political inequality, its origins and implications.
A Discourse on Political Economy, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1755) Discussion on the economic principles affecting the politics of a society.
Dictionary, Samuel Johnson (1755) This was the standard dictionary of the late 18th century.
The Value and Purpose of Princeton College, Samuel Davies and Gilbert Tennent (1754); an appeal to British citizens to support the seminary which became Princeton University.
Religion and Patriotism the Constituents of a Good Soldier, Samuel Davies (1755). Davies, a Presbyterian preacher and president of the College at Princeton, here interprets the French and Indian war as a religious war. In this excerpt from a sermon preached in Virginia, Davies rouses the anti-Catholic sentiment of his
hearers to rally them to arms against the French in the Ohio country.
Military Documents of the French and Indian War Primary Sources Pertaining to the French and Indian War Jupiter Hammon Jupiter Hammon was the first published African American poet. His first work, the broadside An Evening Thought (also referred to as "An Evening Prayer" and "An Evening's Thought: Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries"), was published in 1760.
The Social Contract, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1762) Discussed legitimate government as the expression of the general will.
The Curse of Cowardice, Samuel Davies (1758)
Against the Writs of Assistance, James Otis (1761)
James Otis, Jr. was one of the earliest American patriots. Otis was a flame of fire. In a five-hour speech, in February of 1761, which was witnessed by a young John Adams, Otis argued that the writs were unconstitutional. He based his case on the rights guaranteed in English common law. This was probably the original argument for what we now refer to as "The Castle Doctrine", i.e., "A man's house is his castle".
The
Stamp Act, 1765 Precipitated the "Stamp Act Crisis" which
fomented rebellion throughout the colonies
The
Declaratory Act, 1766 The English Parliament repealed the Stamp Act, but
couldn't leave well enough alone, and adopted this statement of parliamentary
supremacy over the British colonies.
Journals of the Continental Congress, 34 Volumes.
The Library of Congress.
This invaluable collection of documents tells what took place in Philadelphia as the United States was being birthed.
A
Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity (1725), A little known theological
work in which Franklin made a metaphysical argument for predestination and
against free-will. Franklin concluded that all things are ultimately good,
because God is in total control and God is good.
George Washington's Adopted Daughter Discusses Washington's Religious Character
Nelly Custis lived with the Washingtons at Mt. Vernon for twenty years (1779 until 1799). As a daily observer of his life, she was qualified perhaps more than any other to assess George Washington's religion (even perhaps more than
George himself, who was reluctant to speak about his own religious affections).
Works of John Adams
Diary of John Adams, excerpts illustrating Adams' sentiments regarding religion.
Letter to Evans, June 8, 1819 (The founding's opposition to slavery)
Letter to H. Niles, February 13, 1818 (On the Revolution as a religious revolution
of ideas and principles)
Letter to Timothy Pickering, August 6, 1822. Detailing Adams' recollection of the
production of the Declaration of Independence. Adams states here that there is not an idea in the Declaration which had not been hackneyed in Congress for two years before.
According to Adams, the substance of the Declaration is contained in the
Declaration of Colonial Rights of the Continental Congress,
and the essence of it is contained in
The Rights of the Colonists, written before the first Congress met, by Samuel Adams.
Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, James Madison. These are the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia, an essential guide to
interpreting the intent of the Framers.
Detached Memoranda (>1817), detailing Madison's views of the importance of no religious establishments
Letter to F.L. Schaeffer (1821) in which Madison credits Luther with leading the way
for the appropriate distinction between church and state.
The Works of Thomas Paine
African Slavery in America (1775).
As noted on historyguide.org, "...In London (England) he met Benjamin Franklin who helped him to emigrate to America in October 1774. ... ... Paine settled in Philadelphia where he soon began a new career as a journalist."
As noted on FreeAudio.org, "...Published March 8, 1775 in the Pennsylvania Journal and the Weekly Advertiser, this tract was Thomas Paine's first published work. It is an example of how Thomas Paine, who is famous primarily for his tracts in support of the American Revolution, was interested in liberty no matter what the cause or whether it was politically unfavorable. Paine was one of the first abolitionist writers in America and was a founding member of the first anti-slavery society in America. He wanted to abolish slavery at the time of the American Revolution but that was not to be and we would have to wait for another generation. (The writing of) African Slavery in America stands as a great monument to the abolitionist movement as one of its first and most influential works."
The Age of Reason - Part 1 Paine demonstrates the absurdity of a word of God existing in print. As a Deist, Paine believed that the true word of God is nature.
The Age of Reason - Part 2 Paine demonstrates that neither the Old Testament nor the New Testament can be the Word of God.
Answer to Bishop LLandaff Publication of The Age of Reason generated a storm of controversy. One of Paine's critics was Bishop Llandaff, who published a detailed rebuttal to The Age of Reason. This is Paine's reply to that rebuttal.
Letters Concerning "The Age of Reason" (1797-1803) Thomas Paine's correspondence concerning The Age of Reason. Includes correspondence with Samuel Adams.
Nathan Hale's Capture (1776). Hale needs no introduction. He is the "martyr-spy" of the American Revolution and the patron saint of the American intelligence establishment; his statue stands today just off the main lobby of CIA headquarters.
Nathanael Greene, incredible history from one man, including "...After Greene's death, a young Yale University graduate, Eli Whitney, came to Savannah to take a tutoring job. Whitney began working for Greene's widow, Catharine, and it was at Mulberry Grove that Whitney invented the cotton gin"
Land Ordinance of 1785 (Jefferson), different viewpoint in two helpful offerings-;
Ordinance of 1785 Jefferson had earlier offered a systematic means to prepare new areas for statehood in his Ordinance of 1784. (this) following year, he directed his attention to designing a system for surveying the lands that might avoid the pitfalls of earlier methods of determining boundaries.
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The Land Ordinance Of May 20,1785 One of the main reasons the "LAND ORDINANCE OF 1785" was enacted by the Continental Congress was an attempt to alleviate the financial crisis with which the Revolutionary War had saddled the fledgling American Government. Representatives from the thirteen states had debated and wrestled with the problem of raising money since the start of the revolution. The war debt would exceed 100 million dollars. In yeoman service, the private sector had raised over 20 million dollars, leaving 80 million dollars, according to Thomas Jefferson, to be paid. Under the Articles of Confederation, which was the law of the land in 1781, - - the Constitution not having been adopted until 1789 - - Congress had no power to tax and very little power to enforce any program. But the tremendous increase in pressure to "pay the bills" made them realize that they must do something.
