The founding principles and leadership style of Massachusetts Bay colony was different than those of its neighboring colonies. According to Keene and Cornell (2010), Charles I of England in 1629 brought an end Parliament to try to restore Catholic rituals. He also started to give higher status to non-Puritan Christians. They feared for their safety and began to consider what they would do if they left England. They wanted to be away from English corruption. They established a new society focusing on God. This made them distinct from other colonies.
John Winthrop was a great leader and man. O’Donnell (2010) and Cornell (2010) claim that he was first governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. He wanted to build a community free from corruption. The vision was shared by many others and over 20,000 Puritans travelled from around the world to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They had to fight corruption and keep their eyes on God to achieve this. John Winthrop spoke out about the Model of Christian Clarity sermon that he gave to the colony’s founding members. It highlighted his vision of the colony’s purpose, goals, and plans for success. John Winthrop’s sermon, City on a Hill 1630 begins by addressing the people’s economic and social status. Humankind has always valued status, with money and power being the most desired things in society. Everyone wants to be rich or poor.
John Winthrop mentioned that God made people of different social status. His providence dictated that certain people must be wealthy, powerful, poor and weak. Even though it may seem unfair to allow such inequalities, God has a reason for them and has a plan. John Winthrop explains that it is important to conform with the rest. He loves to demonstrate His wisdom through the different He has created within us. He has given us different gifts and placed people in different situations to show His wisdom. God has given each of us a gift, so we must take it and use it to benefit others. John Winthrop believed that the Puritan community should have the belief that different situations are a way for people to show God’s power. They should also be able to help others and give God the glory.
John Winthrop also mentioned that God allowed people to experience different circumstances in order for His spirit to move more through them. Being honest and good is difficult when you’re rich. Most people are at their worst when they have money. The rich are often able to take advantage of poor people, leading to the poor gaining jealousy over the wealthier. The Spirit can then work in our lives to stop us from doing sinful things. He works through the wealthy by giving them mercy, humility, and generosity. And through the poor, he gives patience, faith, gratitude, and helps them to be grateful. These are God’s gifts. John Winthrop was concerned about the Puritans’ ability to help others. He desired them to use all of God’s graces together to serve the common good.
John Winthrop’s final reason for establishing the colony under God was in A City on a Hill (1630). He desired them to “be knit closer in the bond of brotherly love.” (John Winthrop 1630, 6th paragraph). Each person should live to glorify God, no matter their social class. The glory of God should not be denied to anyone, no matter how rich or poor. They should be generous with the blessings God gives them and give consideration to others’ needs. John Winthrop made this a cornerstone of his colony. How could they succeed if they put God’s needs before their own?
John Winthrop (A City on a Hill, 1630) stated at the end that they had made a covenant to God. He suggested that people have to live in love and follow God’s example. They were to follow God’s commands and keep their eyes on him. John Winthrop believed they would prosper and be blessed if they followed these commands. He wanted the Puritan community to be an inspiration to the rest of the world. That is why he used the phrase “a town on a mountain” so often.
John Winthrop’s vision allowed Massachusetts to become a strong colony. Virginia was almost as successful as Massachusetts in leadership and organization. While many of the first settlers in Virginia were gentlemen looking to make a fortune, most Massachusetts settlers were middle-class families who were willing to work together. While Virginia’s settlers were able to spread their settlements in many places, Massachusetts settlers made sure that the colony was united. They were there for each other during the difficult times and helped one another to prosper. (Keene Cornell & O’Donnell 2010) Massachusetts Bay Colony was able survive and overcome all odds by unifying under God. God used them as an example and light for others through the foundations that they built.
Sources
Keene, J. D., Cornell, S., & O’Donnell, E. T. (2010).
Visions Of America: A History of America (2nd Ed.), Vol. 1). Pearson.Winthrop.J (1630). City on a Hill. Model of Christian Charity PDF file, unknown publisher
