Arbella Sermon

My Response's to John Winthrop's Arbella Sermon.

Quote 1:
“The definition which the scripture gives us of love is this: ‘Love is the bond of perfection.’ [I]t is a bond or ligament. . . . There is no body but consists of parts and that which each part so contiguous to others as thereby they do mutually participate with each other, both in strength and infirmity, in pleasure and pain. . . . Christ and his church make one body. The several parts of this body, considered apart before they were united, were disproportionate and as much disordering as so many contrary qualities or elements, [however, when united], it is become the most perfect and best proportioned body in the world[.]”


Group Questions
For Winthrop, what is the benefit of a well coordinated (social, spiritual, political) body?
Everyone is united together, agreeing on the same views.
Its not perfection but it is close, people can work in harmony
Its easier to discuss when every shares the same views
Why might the metaphor of the body make sense to Winthrop’s audience?
We all have bodies and so we all we all know that is one part isn't working it effects the rest of the bodies ability
All the parts have to work together for the body to work, and so do these people
How might this union of separate parts create a genuine COMMONWEALTH?
Because with everyone sharing the same ideals it is easier than everyone disagreeing. This creates a body with common objectives, or A COMMONWEALTH


Quote 2
“Whatsoever we did or ought to have done when we lived in England, the same must we do, and more also, where we go.”


Group Questions
What is in the word new? What did it mean to name the colony New England? Why not come up with some kind of name that denoted complete newness and separation from the Old World?
The word new, to me represents how the puritans wanted to keep some of the same structure of England, but without all the stuff they were trying to escape i.e. mean government


Quote 3
“Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered into covenant with him for this work. We have taken out a commission, the Lord hath given us leave to draw our own articles. We have professed to enterprise these actions . . . . Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the place we desire, then hath he ratified this covenant and sealed our commission, [and] will expect a strict performance of the articles contained in it."


Group Questions
How did the Puritans, and Winthrop, view their charter for colonization as a spiritual mandate to purify the world of Christendom (or at least the Church of England)?
I believe that the Puritans and Winthrop viewed their charter as a spiritual mandate to purify the Christian world because that is how they were taught. They believed that their mission in life was to purify the Christian faith, and this charter to all these natives that had never before heard the word, were a great way for them to fulfill their duties


Quote 4
“[W]hen he shall make us a praise and glory that men shall say of succeeding [colonies], ‘the Lord make it like that of New England.’ For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us[.]"


Group Questions
How did Winthrop view the MA Bay Co. as an example for future colonists and colonial efforts?
If while they were they could convert people and live together successfully, others might want to follow in their path.
What does it mean, or what did Winthrop mean, to be a “city upon a hill”?
They believed that their colony would be successful through god, and they would be an example for all to come after them, i.e. A city upon a hill for everyone to admire from below.