Question 1:

Webster defines the word “sermon” as a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a member
of the clergy as a part of a worship service. The purpose is to explain and apply scripture to a clergy.
When John Winthrop recited his “A Model for Christian Charity” aboard the Arabella in 1630, I
believe he had a different purpose in mind. Winthrop was shamed man who was ousted from his law
position in England in 1629. This made him feel as if he had a personal mission to once again find
salvation in the eyes of God by overseeing the creation of a utopian “Shining City on a Hill” in the
New World. Winthrop’s purpose for his speech was to instill in the new colonists the importance of
social unity over the needs of the individual. He feared individualism would bring about the demise
of the new settlement. He goes as far as to state that if the colony failed, he, along with his
followers would seen as a shame to the other loyal followers of Christ. While this proclamation is
sometimes regarded as a sermon, I do not think the purpose of this speech aligns with the definition
of a sermon. His purpose was to describe the importance of the colony, and threaten the
consequence of what would happen if the settlement failed.

Question 2:

A puritan is someone who is extremely conservative in their Christian belief and behavior. It is stated
in Foner that in order to obtain a “church member” status in the puritan faith a person had to be a
visual-saint, following all the prescribed biblical law to the precise order. Winthrop regularly quotes
the Bible to support his arguments throughout his speech.

Question 3:

Winthrop argues that the primary duty of the wealthy is charity. Winthrop believes that social unity
is essential to the survival of the settlement and knows that the wealthy must help the poor in order
to prevent social unrest. He uses the bible once again here to support his argument saying that
charity is key characteristic to achieving salvation.

Question 4:

As stated in Question 1, Winthrop believes that social unity is glue that will hold society together.
Conversely, he states that individualism, and the idea that a single person’s needs can override the
greater need of the colony will tear down the young settlement.

Question 5:

Winthrop makes a strong biblical reference when he states that the colonists have entered into a
covenant with God. He silently alludes to the covenant between the Jewish people and God from the
Old Testament. A covenant is an agreement between two parties, and He states that it is their duty
to make the colony succeed, as it is God’s will. Winthrop warns of the consequence of not holding up
their end of the bargain.
Question 6:

Winthrop uses the conservative puritan model to convey to the colonists the importance of the
enterprise. He states that if the society would fail, everyone involved would be remembered in the
history books as a failed society and a shame to all of Christ’s loyal followers.