Why did Winthrop think that the Puritans were a special people? And why did he believe they had to be especially careful in their new endeavor? Puritan wanted to reform their church and opposed to the corruption of the Church of England so they moved to the New World. John Winthrop wanted to show England that their way was wrong; therefore he wanted to prove it to them by presenting that the Puritans have a successful colony.
In 1544 King Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England. This rapidly became known as the Protestant Reformation. Almost 5 decades after this occurrence John Winthrop was born (Morgan, 1). As he grew older Winthrop became interested in Puritanism and he joined the members of the Massachusetts Bay Company as a response to the deterioration of Puritan faith in England. This group of businessmen sought to establish a colony in New England and were granted a charter by King Charles I in 1629 (Morgan 83-87).
George Washington Williams, an African American legislator, and Kande Kamara, an African colonial subject, both experienced some of the most brutal products of European Imperialism. Williams, in the late nineteenth century, toured the Belgian controlled Congo and witnessed the harsh measures King Leopold implemented to maintain absolute control and bleed the country of its resources. Kamara, on the other hand, bore witness to the end result of overzealous imperial ambitions when he was forced to fight for the allies in the trenches of WWI. These two men’s experiences, although considerably different, both shed light on Europe’s colonial philosophy of racism and ethnic superiority and its position of immense power during this period.
However different these two writings began, both manifest common thoughts of American colonists about splitting with Britain. These two prominent, Revolutionary writers thought the separation of American colonies from Britain was not just the will of the
Religion was an essential part of everyday life and it provided individuals with a purpose in life. John Winthrop’s goal was to expand the Protestant community (Puritans) and his main focus was to have a better relationship with God. Winthrop especially desired for all the settlers of New England
The Puritan’s voyage to the New World was recorded in “Of Plymouth Plantation” by William Bradford. The Puritans made this voyage to escape the persecution they were facing in Europe and in hopes of starting a new life that would exert their right to religious freedom. The Puritans believed God’s active and persistent “hand” was present in all aspects of their lives. It was the grace of God that was the sole explanation of every daily occurrence or event. God created everything and therefore he played a significant role in the lives of the Puritans.
Williams upset the General Court and before being able to be arrested he went off to Massachusetts, later negotiated with Narragansett setup Providence and promised separation of church and state and religious freedom (“The Americans” 52). This opinion was not widely accepted so other colonist considered Rhode Island trash. Either way his ideas on royal charter influenced other colonies like New Jersey and Carolina. If he didn't have such radical ideas today would be a lot different. For example, today policeman or an authority figure in the United States is forbidden to force or reject any religious belief.
The New Englanders took religion seriously, making unitary laws according to Puritan standards. John Winthrop, later chosen as the first Massachusetts Bay Colony governor, was seeking religious freedom. Wishing to inspire the colonists to dwell in brotherly unity, he summoned them together to remind them “that if we [colonists] shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.” On the other hand, those in the Chesapeake region came for the wealth that America promised. They were there to become prosperous or die trying.
Although they were both christian puritans, John Eliots views were thatit was his civic duty to help the Indians by forcing his religion upon them, while Roger Williams though it was his civic duty to help the Indians get religious liberty. An example of Eliot forcing his religion on the Indians is seen when Governor John Endecott came away from the Natick settlement where John Eliot worked with the Indians amazed, he said “The Foundation is laid, and one that I verily beleeve the gates of Hell shall never prevaile against…. I could hardly refrain tears from very joy to see their diligent attention to the word first taught by one of the indians, who before his Exercise prayed…. With such reverence, zeale, good affection, and distinct utterance, that I could not but admire(Jarvis 57).”
Between 1600 and 1800 religion was a huge part of the literature of the Puritans. Two popular writers in that era Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards were heavily influenced by God in their writing. Both were Puritans who were influential writers at the time, this was because they used their own methods to convince people into becoming Puritans. The Puritan nature is to be very religious and to provide a bridge for people to come over and join you in your Puritan ways.
John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity” was a sermon spoken to the English immigrants/settlers, from the island of Great Brittaine, coming to America, the audience/people receiving his ideas were called puritans. A major reason for the English to colonize America was due to religious freedom, Winthrop believed God put a selected few on the boats going toward America to carry out his message and spread charity. He believed giving to the people who needed help, would also help the community not just the poor. In addition, there were many different groups of people that were on the ship during John’s sermon that gained a sense of unity.
The author of this document is John Winthrop, a Puritan leader and one of the founding fathers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century. He is known for his speech, "A Model of Christian Charity," delivered on the ship Arabella in 1630 during the voyage to the New World. The intended audience for John Winthrop’s sermon is the members of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a group of Puritan settlers who established a colony in New England. In this speech, Winthrop outlined his vision for the new community, emphasizing the importance of charity and cooperation. Winthrop's "A Model of Christian Charity" is a landmark speech that reflects the Puritan philosophy and values of the time.
Williams was actually kicked out of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for these beliefs. Roger believed in what he called “Soul Liberty” which meant that liberty of conscience was necessary because no one could know for certain which form of religion was the true one God intended. Williams believed that everyone had the right to worship God how they saw fit. Also, he believed that no matter what religion you affiliated with; Quaker, Jew, Catholic, or some other religion, you had the right to think that way, whether he agreed or disagreed with it. Although, for example, he did not like the Puritan ways or beliefs he would tolerate the people who did.
Puritans are Europeans who escaped religious persecution from the Church of England. The Puritans age likely varies from children to adults. However, it’s apparent that Winthrop is appealing more towards Puritan males to create their ideal utopia. Winthrop evokes God to entice the colonist to fruitfully colonize the land. He uses nationalism, religion, and imagery to entice the colonist into creating a bountiful colony.
The arrival of the first Europeans in the Americas is dramatically captured through the many writers who attempted to communicate what they saw, experienced and felt. What is more, the very purposes of their treacherous travel and colonization are clearly seen in their writings; whether it is poetry, history or sermons. Of the many literary pieces available today, William Bradford and John Winthrop’s writings, even though vary because the first is a historical account and the second is a sermon, stand out as presenting a clear trust in God, the rules that would govern them and the reason they have arrived in the Americas. First of all, William Bradford provides an in-depth look into the first moment when the Puritans arrived in the Americas. In fact, he chronicles the hardships they face on their way to Plymouth, yet he includes God’s provision every step of the way.
