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Noah Webster
 Founding Father Noah Webster had a significant impact on America. He was a soldier during the American Revolution and a legislator and judge afterwards; he was also one of the first Founders to call for a Constitutional Convention, and while he didn't sign it, Webster directly impacted the final wording of the Constitution.
Like most of the Founders, he realized that for America to survive, it needed a system of education that taught the unique principles associated with America. He therefore became one of the most prolific authors of textbooks in American history, and his impact on education was so profound that he is titled, "The Schoolmaster to America."
Webster knew that America's success rested on how well we communicated Biblical principles to each generation. As he explained:
The Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children under a free government ought to be instructed. . . . No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.
 Today, Webster is primarily known for the massive dictionary that bears his name. He published a small dictionary in 1806, and in 1807 began work on his great dictionary. While preparing that work and seeking to understand the origin of specific words, Webster learned over twenty languages. His two-volume masterpiece was finished and finally published in 1828. It contained some 70,000 words, including 12,000 words and 40,000 definitions not found in any previous dictionary.
 Webster began that dictionary with a dedication to God, praying that it would be useful for "the moral and religious elevation of character and the glory of my country." For decades, it also contained Webster's personal testimony of his conversion to Christ. Additionally, after defining each word, he provided examples to clarify the meanings of the word, and a large percentage of his examples were Bible verses. (See the example of the word "chief.")
 Since its original publication in 1828, Webster's dictionary has undergone extensive censorship to remove its Christian emphasis and examples. Although the most popular dictionary in America still bears his name, today it no longer reflects the spirit of the original. But now you can enjoy the Biblical worldview inculcated throughout his original dictionary, for we are now offering an electronic, searchable copy of Webster's dictionary on CD ROM. It is wonderful for use by students or adults, by pastors or parents, and is perfect for use in school, business, or home. To order this wonderful resource, visit our store. David Barton
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