John Winthrop’s Arbella sermon, 1630 [responses]

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[.]”

~ When the church and its members work together, socially they get along and discuss issues amongst each other. The benefit of a coordinate body people get spiritually closer to God by helping each other out. The benefit of a well coordinated political body is that the community works together running the church. This might have made sense to Winthrop's audience because they believed in Christ, and when you believe in Christ, all the believers are connected.

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.”

~The colonist's from England reformed the colony because they didn't want to keep the same rules and regulations , but they still wanted to keep their pride of being English. They believed that naming the new colony "New England" would set an example to people back in England.

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.”
   ~The Puritans, and Winthrop, viewed their charter for colonization as a spiritual mandate to purify the world of Christendom by believing that God expected them to abide by their religion. The saw it as it was the guidance from God.

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[.]”

~Winthrop viewed the MA Bay Co. as an example for future colonists and colonial efforts because they had new techniques for farming. They were a remodel and had similar purposes. To be a “city upon a hill” means that they are leaders and people look up to them as an example.