John Winthrop's "Model of Christian Charity"

"For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world." This was one of the many famous parts in John Winthrop's speech "A Model of Christian Charity" during the voyage from England to a new home of New England on the ship Arbella. John Winthrop believed that in order to become successful in planting this society of Puritans in new soil, rules were to be made and followed very strictly in order to thrive. The whole world will be watching their every move, some with excitement and others who could care less. But this didn't matter to Winthrop because he was confident in their survival.

During his speech, Winthrop addresses several important rules that needed to be followed for their survival. First of all, Winthrop immediately talks about the issue between the rich and the poor. We have all seen the issues in the past from the Roman Empire to even to here, today in modern-day America where the almighty faction of the Rich try to attempt to overpower and smother the poor because they want the only thing they need more of, which is more power. Winthrop works around this dilemma very delicately by creating two rules both the rich and poor have to abide by. The rules of Mercy and Justice. The poor are to abide by the rule of mercy towards the rich if some sudden danger or distress should arise, while the rich are to show the poor justice as well.

Secondly, Winthrop talks about the way people should treat one another under certain circumstances. When someone is in need of something but cannot repay you, give him what he needs instead of what he wants. But when someone is in need of something and is able to repay you, look at it as if it was a trade of goods.

When forgiving, even if he has nothing to offer for his wrong doing, you must forgive. Then there will be times when you will have to give up everything you have in order to help others. "There is a time when a Christian must sell all and give to the poor, as they did in the Apostles' times." Also, "There is a time also when Christians (though they give not all yet) must give beyond their ability..."

What Winthrop is saying, is that, when another is in need you are expected to give what is needed under any circumstance, even if it means giving everything you have. Even to an enemy you are expected to treat as one of your own, "If thine enemy hunger feed him; 'Love your enemies... Do good to them that hate you." (Matt. 5:44)

During his speech, Winthrop points out the specifics of what he believes as the perfect floor plan for the perfect Puritan community. This speech is a uplifting and hopeful speech towards the future, but also contains hints of warning as well. In order for them to thrive they must be as if all the same body and suffer together through the difficult times ahead. If they can avoid disobeying and turning away from God, working as one, and build a strong community, the Puritan's will have successfully planted their roots into this new soil and begin to grow.