Two very important documents

What was the name of America’s first constitution? Many people would probably say “you mean we had more than one?” Our first Constitution was called the Articles of Confederation. This document was our constitution from 1777-1789. During that twelve year period America struggled greatly, largely due to a lack of power given to the central government. The United States was more like 13 independent countries which were only loosely connected by the common cause of war against Britain. Once the war was over, it was clear that the Articles of Confederation were not strong enough to control this new nation. However, there was one great achievement of the government during this time that is often overlooked. The Writing of two great documents; The Land Ordinance of 1785, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, had a profound effect on the development of America. These two documents laid down three important principles that guided our territories in the west on their path to statehood.
The first principle was that of how a territory would become a state. The major idea was that once a territory reached a certain number of people, and had a state constitution, they would be welcomed into the union on equal terms. The thirteen original states decided to treat all of the other states equally. Just as the Bible says “God is no respecter of persons” all states were to be treated alike. This process of statehood also made sure that each state would have a constitution. Equality and political freedom have been key principles in our nation’s growth.
The second principle was that of the ability of each person in America to have personal property. The Ordinances provided for land at the price of one dollar per acre. The smallest section was forty acres, and almost everyone could afford that amount and be a land owner. Micah 4:4 says; “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it” The idea of private ownership is not only American, but also Biblical. From Ohio to California, people purchased their own little piece of what is now referred to as “The American dream.”
The third principle was the concept of private Christian schools in every community. The Ordinances required one section of every town to be set aside for a school. The people were responsible to hire a teacher and build a school house. The purpose for these schools was to teach “religion, morality, and knowledge” What religion would be taught? The only religion in America at the time was Christianity. The morality of the Bible was also to be taught. The phrase that mentions the three purposes of education is found in the state constitutions of all of the states added after 1787. Isn’t it amazing that the very purpose of education in America has now been removed from the public school system? God in his mercy guided our founding fathers to write a law that would encourage economic and political freedom, and encourage education which would be centered on God’s Word.