The Puritans

According to James Schafer (2), the primary purpose of existence to the Puritans was "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Fleeing what they viewed as political corruption and religious persecution in Europe, the Puritans would arrive in America and be instrumental in forming the Colonies. The trip abroad in a time of few luxuries in travel, medicines to curb illness and disease, and few resources, many Puritans viewed their sufferings as evidence of their faith in God. Enduring suffering and ordeals represented elements of what the Puritans viewed as their Divine Mission. Ordeal and hardship were part of God's overall plan through which the faithful passed His purposive tests of endurance. This is especially evident in the writings of many Puritans. This research will examine the writing of John Winthrop ("A Model of Christian Charity"), Mary Rowlandson ("A Narrative"), and William Bradford ("Journal"). In these three works by three prominent Puritans, it will readily be seen that ordeal and hardship were endured by being viewed as part of God's overall plan to test faith.

One of John Winthrop's (1630) most moving and lasting sermons is known as "A Model of Christian Charity." Part of the divine mission of the Puritans was the view that those who followed their beliefs were predestined for salvation. If one was not predestined, one could not be saved. However, to be saved eve

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Category: History - T