The 1828 Webster's Dictionary

One of my Bible study aids is from a most unexpected source:  the 1828 Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language.  What makes this volume different from modern dictionaries is Noah Webster's definitions spring from a biblical worldview.  It is interesting to me that you will not find the words "automobile," "radio," or "telephone" within the pages because those modern advances were not yet invented.  At the same time, the text is largely free from encroachment of worldly philosophy and politically correct speech which has emasculated and convoluted the original meaning of words.  Here is one of my favourite examples when comparing modern definitions to those given in Webster's 1828 dictionary:

"Duty" as defined by dictionary.com:

1. Something that one is expected or required to do by moral or legal obligation.
2. The binding or obligatory force of something that is morally or legally right.
3. An action or task required by a person's position or occupation; function.
4. The respectful and obedient conduct due a parent, superior, elder, etc.
5. An act or expression of respect.

"Duty" as defined by Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

1.  That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound, by any natural, moral, or legal obligation, to pay, do or perform.  Obedience to princes, magistrates and the laws is the duty of every citizen and suject; obedience, respect, and kindness to parents are duties of children; fidelity to friends is a duty; reverence, obedience and prayer to God are indispensable duties; the government and religious instruction of children are duties of parents which they cannot neglect without guilt.
2. Forbearance of that which is forbid by morality, law, justice or propriety.  It is our duty to refrain from lewdness, intemperance, profaneness and injustice.
3. Obedience; submission.
4. Act of reverence or respect.
5. The business of a soldier or marine on guard..
6. The business of war; military service.
7. Tax, toll, impost, or customs; excise; any sum of money required by government to be pain on the importation, exportation, or consumption of goods. 

What a difference in substance and tone!  In the modern definition of duty, there is little said about what the duties of people include.  Using the scripture as a guide, Webster objectively states not only what "duty" is but what our duties are.  He does not say it as his own opinion but as fact.  He can do this only because he has enlisted the scriptures as his guide to define words which explain a moral position achieved through an understanding of God and His righteous precepts.  Words like "sin" and "judgment" are explained thoroughly, grounded in scriptural truth.  Clear definitions of words according to God's revealed truth has never been more important than today.  If the foundations of language are destroyed, what can the righteous do?