Michelle Steil
English 101, Sec 12
22 Oct 2012
A Model of Christian Charity: Summary
A Model of Christian Charity is a sermon by John Winthrop. He gives this sermon aboard the Arbella in 1630. John Winthrop began his and his Christian's journey with words for guidance and inspiration. He starts his sermon by stating that God created the rich and the poor. He created them for different reasons, in order to manifest his exertion in the areas of mercy, love, gentleness, faith, patience and obedience. Religion is used as a way of connecting with the Puritans. He also uses references from the bible to prove his points. He talks about how God has created the three laws, and how if you follow them you will be a good Christian. He also talks about why justice and mercy are important in a high-quality society. He talks about the laws, including the law of nature, the law of grace, and law of gospel. In this sermon Winthrop tells us how to create a Christian society with love and guidance.
He tells us the three laws. In the first law he wanted to show variety, so that God can be honored and praised by different people in different ways. He can distribute his gifts to variety of people in diverse ways. Second, the rich and the poor help each other. The rich won’t mistreat the poor; in that case the poor won’t rebel. With the riches and the poor in one society there will be diversity. His third reason was that people need each other to create unity and peace. Winthrop wants the Puritans to love each other, and help each other. With each other’s help they can get through anything. God created these social classes so that they can all help each other in need, and become a better society.
There are two rules he states which are Justice and Mercy. He states that mercy is for the rich if in any suffering, or if they need any aid. Justice to the poor for any contract or treaty. John Winthrop asks what the puritans