A Model of Christian Charity

A Model of Christian Charity is a 1630 sermon by Puritan minister John Winthrop, which was delivered on board the Arbella while en route to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The sermon has been widely recognized for its literary and theological influence throughout American history. It serves as an example of early American literature that expressed religious ideals such as charity, self-sacrifice, and cooperation within society. Winthrop's sermon set forth a vision for the colony in which all members would contribute to each other's welfare through acts of kindness and generosity; he argued that it was only through this collective effort that their mission could be successful. This idea formed one of the core tenets upon which much of colonial America was built: individualism combined with communal responsibility. As such, A Model of Christian Charity remains relevant today as a reminder that individuals should strive towards creating strong communities based on mutual respect and understanding rather than selfishness or greed.