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Model Christian Charity

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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. …show more content…

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. …show more content…

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

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Evidence shows that the Puritans had politically influenced their colonies with their religious values. In the New World, a group of Puritans established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. There, the Puritans would create a government that would revolve around their covenant with God. On the way to the New World, John Winthrop, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, led a sermon, titled “A Model of Christian Charity”, about Puritan ideals (Winthrop). As well as determining Puritan ideals, the sermon urges colonists to unite as a “city on a hill” for others to look up to (Winthrop).

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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.

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The values that early American writers considered most important were piety, courage, and industry. They were highly honored by the large Puritan population, and these values helped them survive the beginning of the colonies. Overtime, however, different values were stressed more than others. For example, in “Of Plymouth Plantation,” written around 1620, Bradford chooses to write about the piety, courage, and industry of all the settlers in his settlement. In 1630, Winthrop gave his sermon “A Model of Christian Charity,” and in it he motivates his audience using piety and industry as reasons to succeed.

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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.

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John Winthrop, a non-separating Puritan, was a leading figure in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony that described the goal of this colony in his City Upon a Hill speech in which he says, “We must consider that we shall be as a city

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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.

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In the New England region they wanted their freedom to practice their religion. In Chesapeake they wanted the most profit they could get from gold, which then resulted in growing tobacco. In New England they wanted to be free to choose their religion, because in England they were puritans (separatists)but, they were forced to be Anglican against their will. In a writing to John Winthrop he wrote, “So if we do not honor God… will cause Him to abandon us.” (A Model of Christian Charity)

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