According to Winthrop, what is the covenant that is established and who is it between? 2) What does Winthrop mean when he says: “we must consider that we shall be like a City upon a Hill; the eyes of all people are on us”? 3) What actions should be taken to uphold such a covenant? A central element in Puritan social and theological life was the notion of the covenant. All social relationships – between God and man, ministers and congregations, magistrates and members of their community, and men and their families-were envisioned in terms of a covenant or contract that rested on consent and mutual responsibilities. Seventeenth-century New England churches were formed by a voluntary agreement among the members, who elected their own ministers. Similarly, the governments in Plymouth Colony (before it merged with Massachusetts) and in New Haven Colony (before it merged with Connecticut) were based on covenants. In each seventeenth-century New England colony, government itself res

Answer 1

1. Covenant as Established by Winthrop: In John Winthrop's writings, particularly in his famous "City upon a Hill" sermon delivered in 1630, the covenant he refers to is a sacred agreement between the Puritans and God. This covenant not only outlines their responsibilities towards God but also establishes a framework for their community life. It is between the Puritan settlers and God, wherein the settlers commit to living righteously and creating a model society based on Christian values. In essence, Winthrop posits that the success of their endeavor hinges on their fidelity to this covenant; if they uphold their commitments, they will be blessed, and if not, they risk God's wrath.

2. Meaning of "City upon a Hill": When Winthrop says, “we must consider that we shall be like a City upon a Hill; the eyes of all people are on us,” he emphasizes that the Puritan community must be a shining example of Christian piety and virtue in the world. The metaphor of a city on a hill reflects the idea of visibility and accountability. Winthrop suggests that they cannot fail to live up to their values, for their actions will be scrutinized by both their contemporaries and future generations. Their success or failure would not only affect their own community but also serve as a reflection of the Puritan faith as a whole.

3. Actions to Uphold the Covenant: To uphold the covenant established between themselves and God, Winthrop outlines several actions that the Puritans must take. These include:

• Moral Integrity: Community members must live according to high moral standards, embodying the Christian virtues of charity, justice, and love.

• Mutual Accountability: Individuals should hold each other accountable, serving as a check against moral failing and encouraging one another to fulfill their responsibilities under the covenant.

• Strong Community Ties: Building a cohesive society that supports collective goals and values is crucial. This includes fostering strong relationships among members of the church and community.

• Respect for Authority: Upholding the authority of elected leaders and ministers, who are seen as integral to guiding the community in its covenantal obligations.

• Commitment to the Common Good: Every individual should prioritize the well-being of the community over personal ambitions and engage in actions that promote the welfare of all.

Through these actions, Winthrop believed that they could maintain their covenant with God and serve as a beacon of hope and righteousness for others.