John Winthrop’s Arbella Sermon, 1630 Quotes

(Quote 1)
“The definition which the scripture gives us of love is this: ‘Love is the bond of perfection.’ [I]t is a bond or ligament. . . . There is no body but consists of parts and that which each part so contiguous to others as thereby they do mutually participate with each other, both in strength and infirmity, in pleasure and pain. . . . Christ and his church make one body. The several parts of this body, considered apart before they were united, were disproportionate and as much disordering as so many contrary qualities or elements, [however, when united], it is become the most perfect and best proportioned body in the world[.]”

. The people that beleive in God are instantly connected him. That connection creates a bond of perfection between the body (people) and the Lord

(Quote 2)
“Whatsoever we did or ought to have done when we lived in England, the same must we do, and more also, where we go.”

. All of the ideas that they had to improve old England will be used in their new way of life in New England. New England will be just like Old England but improved.

(Quote 3)
“Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered into covenant with him for this work. We have taken out a commission, the Lord hath given us leave to draw our own articles. We have professed to enterprise these actions . . . . Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the place we desire, then hath he ratified this covenant and sealed our commission, [and] will expect a strict performance of the articles contained in it.”

. I believe this quote is explaining some sort transition between the original English Church way and a new beginning. If the lord has blessed them to move to New England then they must become strongly religious.

(Quote 4)
“[W]hen he shall make us a praise and glory that men shall say of succeeding [colonies], ‘the Lord make it like that of New England.’ For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us[.]”

. They believed God saw their new colony as a role model for other/future colonies to look up to. They are showing how much stronger they have become religiously, and believe that everyone else should follow their way.