Model Christian Charity

A Model of Christian Charity is an important sermon written and delivered by Puritan leader John Winthrop on the Arabella while in route to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It is important to American Literature for depicting colonial America as a “city upon a hill” and for being one of the first concepts of American Exceptionalism. The sermon also gives insight into the Puritan way of life, a religious ethic that would later contribute to the American ethic. Such morals include unity, charity, love, and communalism. A Model of Christian Charity is heavily influenced by Christianity and more specifically, Puritanism. Winthrop relies on scripture to make the Puritans understand the real life mission ahead of them, much like the Exodus story.

Second, this love is as absolutely necessary to the being of the body of Christ, as the sinews and other ligaments of a natural body are to the being of that body. Third, this love is a divine, spiritual nature free, active, strong, courageous, and permanent. This makes us nearer to resemble the virtues of our heavenly father. Fourth, it rests in the love and welfare of its beloved.

Winthrop believed that having this "bond of love" would unite his congregation and influence the world in a positive manner. Most importantly, the sermon urges the Puritans that the world is watching them like “a city upon a hill (Winthrop).” Winthrop explains the importance of God choosing his congregation to go to America to carry out their mission. This "city upon a hill" is often cited by the supporters of American Exceptionalism. American Exceptionalism has been used to exemplify the United States over other countries. Supporters of American Exceptionalism have used Winthrop 's "city upon a hill" to suggest that the United States, much like the original Massachusetts Bay Colony, serves as a beacon for the rest of the world. Without a doubt, American Exceptionalism can be traced to Puritan roots. The Puritans believed that God had made a covenant with their people and had chosen them to serve as a beacon for the world. Therefore, John Winthrop’s metaphorical “city upon a hill” is often used to promote superiority in a sense. The Puritans ' deep moralistic values remained part of the national identity of the United States for centuries, remaining an important part of American life to this