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The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches, and Sermons That Compose the American Soul
What does it mean to think, believe, and act like an American?
The soul of America is far more than a concept-it is a people. Even the most sacred principles mean very little unless lived out passionately by an informed citizenry. In "The Portable Patriot "you'll find a carefully assembled sampling of American history's most formative words, written by the people who made that extraordinary history. Speeches and sermons, essays and extracts, poems and proclamations illumine such values as independence, virtue, humility, bravery, thrift, prayer, enterprise, liberty, and reliance on God. While peering back to the cradle of America's national identity, "The Portable Patriot" also points a way forward, compelling us to heed poet John Dickinson's plea to "rouse your bold hearts at fair Liberty's call."
"Nothing ignites a patriot's heart-or the hope that the truths of our founding era will prevail again-like the documents assembled in "The Portable Patriot." How grateful we should be, and how quick to make these historic words our own."
--Stephen Mansfield, author, "The Forgotten Founding ""Father "and "The Faith of the American Soldier"
"Our current struggles over taxation, federal debt, and limited government are part of a larger American story. Kudos to Miller and Parrish for highlighting these essential passages."
--Hon. Andrew P. Napolitano,
"Senior Judicial Analyst, Fox News Channel"
The soul of America is far more than a concept-it is a people. Even the most sacred principles mean very little unless lived out passionately by an informed citizenry. In "The Portable Patriot "you'll find a carefully assembled sampling of American history's most formative words, written by the people who made that extraordinary history. Speeches and sermons, essays and extracts, poems and proclamations illumine such values as independence, virtue, humility, bravery, thrift, prayer, enterprise, liberty, and reliance on God. While peering back to the cradle of America's national identity, "The Portable Patriot" also points a way forward, compelling us to heed poet John Dickinson's plea to "rouse your bold hearts at fair Liberty's call."
"Nothing ignites a patriot's heart-or the hope that the truths of our founding era will prevail again-like the documents assembled in "The Portable Patriot." How grateful we should be, and how quick to make these historic words our own."
--Stephen Mansfield, author, "The Forgotten Founding ""Father "and "The Faith of the American Soldier"
"Our current struggles over taxation, federal debt, and limited government are part of a larger American story. Kudos to Miller and Parrish for highlighting these essential passages."
--Hon. Andrew P. Napolitano,
"Senior Judicial Analyst, Fox News Channel"
274 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2010
About the author
Joel J. Miller
8 books14 followersJoel J. Miller is the author of several books including The Revolutionary Paul Revere. His writing has been featured in The American Spectator, Reason, Real Clear Religion and elsewhere. He blogs on faith and spirituality at joeljmiller.com. He and his family live in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 26, 2011
This took me almost a year to read, but it was a valuable read.
First of all, I have to say that I love the design of the book. It may seem a small thing, but it made the book more readable to me. It's a small book, with a smooth cover, cloth binding, attractive fonts, rough page edges, and a few illustrations throughout. There are even the signatures of the Declaration of Independence signers in the front and back, which helps bring the people and the times alive.
Secondly, the passages were well chosen with a variety of kinds of documents, even a few poems, which I enjoyed. I am not at all a legal mind and don't know much about politics, so some of the documents were hard for me to wade through and understand, but with patience and concentration, I did get something out of most selections.
I was impressed with the far-reaching foresight some of the men of that day had.
I was challenged to learn more of the history of America and to help keep the original goals of the country alive.
Here are a few inspiring and insightful quotes from Noah Webster:
"The consideration, also, that the intended effects of a free government, are mostly defeated by an abuse of its privileges, should make us more solicitous to acquire a deep and correct knowledge of its true principles, and more vigilant in guarding against the impositions of designing men. . . . men who seek offices by fair promises, and flatter only to deceive."
"Let them consider that upon them has devolved the task of defending and improving the rich inheritance, purchased by their fathers. Nor let them view this inheritance of National Freedom and Independence, as a fortune that is to be squandered away, in ease and riot, but as an estate to be preserved only by industry, toil, and vigilance. Let them cast their eyes around upon the aged fathers of the land, whose declining strength calls for their support, and whose venerable years and wisdom demand their deference and respect."
First of all, I have to say that I love the design of the book. It may seem a small thing, but it made the book more readable to me. It's a small book, with a smooth cover, cloth binding, attractive fonts, rough page edges, and a few illustrations throughout. There are even the signatures of the Declaration of Independence signers in the front and back, which helps bring the people and the times alive.
Secondly, the passages were well chosen with a variety of kinds of documents, even a few poems, which I enjoyed. I am not at all a legal mind and don't know much about politics, so some of the documents were hard for me to wade through and understand, but with patience and concentration, I did get something out of most selections.
I was impressed with the far-reaching foresight some of the men of that day had.
I was challenged to learn more of the history of America and to help keep the original goals of the country alive.
Here are a few inspiring and insightful quotes from Noah Webster:
"The consideration, also, that the intended effects of a free government, are mostly defeated by an abuse of its privileges, should make us more solicitous to acquire a deep and correct knowledge of its true principles, and more vigilant in guarding against the impositions of designing men. . . . men who seek offices by fair promises, and flatter only to deceive."
"Let them consider that upon them has devolved the task of defending and improving the rich inheritance, purchased by their fathers. Nor let them view this inheritance of National Freedom and Independence, as a fortune that is to be squandered away, in ease and riot, but as an estate to be preserved only by industry, toil, and vigilance. Let them cast their eyes around upon the aged fathers of the land, whose declining strength calls for their support, and whose venerable years and wisdom demand their deference and respect."
July 3, 2010
I was recently blessed (yes, blessed!) to read the following book:
The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches and Sermons that Compose the American Soul
When I first received this book, I admit I was a bit intimidated. It looked, well, to be honest, BORING.
I was wrong.
This book was amazing. Reading the words of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others was awe-inspiring. (One thing that is important to note is that this is not a book telling about documents and speeches, but a compilation of the documents, speeches and sermons themselves.)
Although there were a few documents that I had a hard time following, 95% of the book was incredibly interesting and held my full attention well. I especially enjoyed reading Benjamin Franklin's words on frugality (go figure). As I turned the pages, I felt inspired to do better as an American, but mostly as a human. I felt pride and gratitude as I read of the sacrifices that were made. This book was truly a great read, and is a book I'd recommend to ALL. I think this is a great collection of history, and something that will come in handy for years to come for reference, if nothing else. However, what makes this book great to me is the spirit, the pride, and the spiritual presence that is there when reading.
I'm giving this book 5 stars!
* I received no monetary compensation for this review. I was provided this book free of charge by Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review. These opinions are mine and mine alone.
The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches and Sermons that Compose the American Soul
When I first received this book, I admit I was a bit intimidated. It looked, well, to be honest, BORING.
I was wrong.
This book was amazing. Reading the words of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others was awe-inspiring. (One thing that is important to note is that this is not a book telling about documents and speeches, but a compilation of the documents, speeches and sermons themselves.)
Although there were a few documents that I had a hard time following, 95% of the book was incredibly interesting and held my full attention well. I especially enjoyed reading Benjamin Franklin's words on frugality (go figure). As I turned the pages, I felt inspired to do better as an American, but mostly as a human. I felt pride and gratitude as I read of the sacrifices that were made. This book was truly a great read, and is a book I'd recommend to ALL. I think this is a great collection of history, and something that will come in handy for years to come for reference, if nothing else. However, what makes this book great to me is the spirit, the pride, and the spiritual presence that is there when reading.
I'm giving this book 5 stars!
* I received no monetary compensation for this review. I was provided this book free of charge by Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review. These opinions are mine and mine alone.
August 1, 2017
This is a nice collection of primary historical documents. The editor briefly introduces each one, and selects pertinent excerpts from longer documents. I read it because I felt challenged to (re)read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, both of which are contained in full in this book.
July 21, 2018
Wonderful collection of documents that can help us see in the modern day what it truly means to be an American, instilling in our hearts and minds the same ideals that our founding fathers had, allowing us to apply them to our stances on current circumstances and events.
January 23, 2021
I loved it!
April 28, 2021
It holds the words of that showcase true liberty and the vision of the founders of America.
January 3, 2022
This is a great book on American history. It’s a great read for any true patriot. 🇺🇸
December 26, 2023
Really great compilation of original documents with some added context and history.
February 3, 2014
*The Portable Patriot* is a small, yet substantive, collection of documents from our nation’s history. Each section has attached commentary introducing the document and discussing its role in the political history and philosophy surrounding the formation of America.
Indeed, the word *philosophy* is crucial to the notion of the volume. The United States of America is not just a *country*, though it is that, to be sure. No, it is so much more than that. It is a set of ideas, beliefs, and values. What makes us different from the British even in the colonial days is what makes the British different from other countries in Europe. That is, an ideal.
Russell Kirk, the conservative historian, philosopher, economist, and general man of letters of the twentieth century, has written how much our country’s moral and philosophic underpinnings owe to the English, and indeed, reflect them to a great extent. Where we diverged from Great Britain was chiefly in the *frontier spirit* that was so prevalent to our young country.
Largely due to space, the large diversity of opinion, and other factors, we had very little choice *but* to embrace the republican tenets that had been slowly forming since the *Magna Carta*. These ideas of law, culture, justice, and Christian philosophy, or what some historians have called “Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem”, were put into practice in our colonies turned country.
The obvious point that I have not actually quoted much from the book is one to which I must readily admit. It is a book with documents and speeches ranging from the earliest days of the colonial experience with the Pilgrim’s and *The Mayflower Compact* through the Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as our third president and shortly thereafter. Indeed, it would be hard to find a useful document to quote as the *important one*.
Because of this, I am left to summarizing the book, and why it is important, in my humble opinion. The crucial aspect of my earlier historical summation is that this is the idea put forth in the book at the most basic level. The ideas and philosophy of America are explained via the important documents therein.
These documents and speeches are largely neglected these days. This is a very bad turn of events. For years churches, schools, civic clubs, and parents inculcated these documents and the ideas they represent to children. Such efforts are not undertaken so often anymore. This book is a good first step in correcting this cultural downturn. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in the very essence of what America truly *is*.
--------------------
I received this volume of historical documents for free from Thomas Nelson publishers via their BookSneeze program. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Thomas Nelson emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
Indeed, the word *philosophy* is crucial to the notion of the volume. The United States of America is not just a *country*, though it is that, to be sure. No, it is so much more than that. It is a set of ideas, beliefs, and values. What makes us different from the British even in the colonial days is what makes the British different from other countries in Europe. That is, an ideal.
Russell Kirk, the conservative historian, philosopher, economist, and general man of letters of the twentieth century, has written how much our country’s moral and philosophic underpinnings owe to the English, and indeed, reflect them to a great extent. Where we diverged from Great Britain was chiefly in the *frontier spirit* that was so prevalent to our young country.
Largely due to space, the large diversity of opinion, and other factors, we had very little choice *but* to embrace the republican tenets that had been slowly forming since the *Magna Carta*. These ideas of law, culture, justice, and Christian philosophy, or what some historians have called “Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem”, were put into practice in our colonies turned country.
The obvious point that I have not actually quoted much from the book is one to which I must readily admit. It is a book with documents and speeches ranging from the earliest days of the colonial experience with the Pilgrim’s and *The Mayflower Compact* through the Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as our third president and shortly thereafter. Indeed, it would be hard to find a useful document to quote as the *important one*.
Because of this, I am left to summarizing the book, and why it is important, in my humble opinion. The crucial aspect of my earlier historical summation is that this is the idea put forth in the book at the most basic level. The ideas and philosophy of America are explained via the important documents therein.
These documents and speeches are largely neglected these days. This is a very bad turn of events. For years churches, schools, civic clubs, and parents inculcated these documents and the ideas they represent to children. Such efforts are not undertaken so often anymore. This book is a good first step in correcting this cultural downturn. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in the very essence of what America truly *is*.
--------------------
I received this volume of historical documents for free from Thomas Nelson publishers via their BookSneeze program. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Thomas Nelson emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
July 4, 2010
"The Portable Patriot", is a wonderful and essential collection of writings from our forefathers, those men who took their faith and desires literally and therefore, began a transition from colonial establishment to the birth of a new nation. One must note that "The Portable Patriot" is a collection of excerpts of these famous and necessary documents, otherwise this book would be just to large to carry with the reader. Joel J. Miller and Kristen Parrish, have obviously taken great time and apparent pleasure in bringing these documents, speeches, and sermons together so that we as readers, can drink in the sources of the Patriotic natures of our forefathers. This collection beckons the reader to think about their own Patriotism and asks the question of that Patriotism that only each individual can answer. This book/collection also provokes the reader to look at today's conditions and activities with a more than passing glance. The question that comes to mind of this reader is "What would our founders think about the conditions and actions of our country today?" At the very onset of this collection of "I. Beginnings" ' The Mayflower Compact', through and all inclusive of The section 'Afterword,' we can get a glance if not a more in depth look at what was a birth of a nation. I find it appropriate that I am writing this review on July 4, 2010. What a wonderful way to celebrate our nation's birthday. Happy Birthday to The United States of America. While reading this collection of documents, speeches and sermons, I was reminded that we must all be vigilant in the protection of our rights and obligations as citizens of this great country. It was most revealing in reading Noah Webster's Oration on the Twenty-Sixth Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. This is a quote from the section. Noah Webster warns America about those who would advance their own interests through the political system, and by pandering to the people even seducing and deceiving them. "Nation like individuals, may be misled by an ardent enthusiasm, which allures them from the standard of practical wisdom, and commits them to the guidance of visionary projectors. By fondly cherishing the opinion that they enjoy some superior advantages of knowledge, or local situation, the rulers of a state may lose the benefit of history and observation, the surest guides in political affairs; and delude themselves with the belief, that obstacles which have baffled the exertions of their predecessors.....". Finally, "The Portable Patriot" is truly portable in size, but it is also jam packed with everything a person needs to remind them as to where and how our great nation started and it is a constant reminder to all of us of how fragile our freedom is. Let us all be ready and willing to protect that freedom.
February 22, 2017
It was enlightening and very well planned out. The placement of the chronological documents and speeches was great.
April 5, 2014
These was a very interesting historical read. It provided a nice background on each selection that placed them in context. I'll enjoy referencing this book in the future.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews