Apostles of Revolution: Jefferson, Payne, Monroe, and the struggle against the old order in America and Europe

Apostles of Revolution: Jefferson, Payne, Monroe, and the struggle against the old order in America and Europe, by John Ferling, reviewed by Pastor LaMont Bonath.

The Spirit of 1776 was a revolution or rather a counter revolution aimed at opening up wealth and power to a larger number of people in America rather than limiting it to an entrenched privileged few in Great Britain. The King of Britain was one of privileged few and through his action engaged in incessant warfare which involved the American colonists. The aristocratic class in Great Britain used the colonists to help their wealth increase. They were corrupt and selfish according to Ferling.

The book outlines the thinking, challenges and activities of Jefferson, Paine and Monroe as they seek to establish the Republic model of government. There were internal and external struggles to move the Republic model of government forward and success was not assured until the 1790's when America at last stood as a beacon of Hope to the oppressed. After the 1790's the idea of progress was based on merit and not social status.

This book filled in a great number of historical missing pieces for me about the American Revolution. Payne was financially better off than either Jefferson or Monroe because he was a published writer. All three men were published authors. Payne was the more accomplished writer of the group.

The index of the book was helpful in listing other potential books for information on the American Revolution and the people connected with the Revolution. The pictures were interesting. I would recommend the book.