Chapter 1: The Legacy of Harvard

Did you know that a famous university's original motto was "Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae" (Truth for Christ and the Church)? This notable phrase once belonged to Harvard University. It's a surprising fact, but indeed, this was the university's motto, albeit modified over the years.

After the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, they aspired for their youth to gain wisdom rooted in God's teachings. They recognized the need for individuals to be trained as ministers to convey God's Word courageously. One such individual was John Harvard, who fervently desired a college that would nurture future ministers. He generously contributed his books and all his financial assets for this cause.

In 1636, the Puritans established a college in his honor, naming it Harvard University, under the motto: Truth for Christ and the Church. During its early years, many ministers received their education there, making it a truly noble institution.

However, in recent decades, there has been a noticeable drift from those foundational principles. If asked about the motto today, many might simply reference "Truth," overlooking the original inscription. Interestingly, in Emerson Hall, where many secular professors discuss their philosophies, you can find these words carved into stone: "Psalm 8:4 What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?" In another hall, there's the inscription: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom." Such engravings are hard to erase!

As time progressed into the late 1600s, some ministers felt that Harvard was becoming too progressive, often questioning the authenticity of scripture. Consequently, they founded a new institution, initially named the Collegiate School, which held its first classes in the home of Rev. Abraham Pierson, its first rector. The school's mission was articulated as follows: "Youth may be instructed in the Arts and Sciences who, through the blessing of God, may be fitted for Publick employment both in Church and Civil State."

In 1745, this college relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, and became known as Yale University, named after merchant Elihu Yale, who contributed significantly to its establishment. His donation aimed to "propagate in this Wilderness, the blessed Reformed, Protestant Religion, in ye purity of its Order and Worship."

At Yale, students were expected to live "religious, godly, and blameless lives," diligently engaging with the Holy Scriptures. Regular prayer was mandatory, and each student was encouraged to consider "the main end of his study to wit to know God in Jesus Christ" and "to lead a Godly, sober life."

In 1800, a minister noted the spiritual vitality at Yale, stating, "It would delight your heart to see how the trophies of the cross are multiplied in this institution. Yale College is a little temple: prayer and praise seem to be the delight of the greater part of the students." Timothy Dwight, who served as president from 1795 to 1817, expressed the vision that God had brought "His little flock hither...for the great purpose of establishing permanently the church of Christ."

Next, we turn our attention to Princeton University.

Chapter 2: The Origins of Princeton

Founded in 1725 during the Great Awakening, Princeton was initiated by Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in this spiritual revival. Edwards aimed to foster a profound appreciation of God's unmerited love among those chosen for salvation, compelling them to serve God wholeheartedly.

The influence of the second Great Awakening in the early 1800s further shaped Princeton, impacting the nation significantly. While today's universities may present atheistic or humanistic ideologies, it's vital to acknowledge their Christian foundations.

Reflecting on these origins reminds us of the verse from Job 14:7–9 (NASB): "There is hope for a tree, when it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and its shoots will not fail." Even as the roots of institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton may seem distant, they were once deeply rooted in Christian faith.

Historically, 106 of the first 108 colleges in the United States were founded with Christian principles. While many may overlook this legacy, God remembers the intentions behind these establishments. Through prayer and commitment, we can nourish these roots, just as water rejuvenates a parched tree.

As we return to the foundational truths of the Bible, we can build a robust foundation for ourselves and future generations, anticipating significant restoration in our society.

The first video, "Can You Guess the University From Only a Logo? (Class Activity)" offers a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge of university logos and their origins.

The second video, "Can You Guess Each California State University (CSU)?" challenges viewers to identify various California State Universities, shedding light on their unique histories and identities.

Notes:

This article includes information sourced from:

• David, "Christian Origin of Universities," Waystofaith.net, May 2021
• Marshall, Peter, "The Light and the Glory," Baker Publishing Company, 1977

You can find more articles on the Christian roots of the USA here, available for free download and sharing.