In the writings of Anne Bradstreet and John Winthrop, both soundly incorporate the prized Puritan ideals of the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace. As demonstrated in our class notes on Puritanism, the first Americans were not out to condemn or do away with the Church in the New World-- they simply wanted reform. Their objective in the New World was to become a beacon, an example, to those back home in England that the Church could be restored to its former glory and prominence.
In
Anne Bradstreet's "Verses upon the Burning of our House," Bradstreet
plainly demonstrates her and her family's absolute obedience to God's law.
Though the burning of her house saddens her, Bradstreet states “so it was, and
so ‘twas just. It was his own; it was not mine.” In this verse, Bradstreet
refers to the will of God and His just actions. Though Bradstreet may not
understand why her house is burning to the ground, the Covenant of Works allows
for such action to take place without objection or panic. Her possessions burnt
to dust, Bradstreet still firmly believes that God will provide, and better
things are in store for her and her family. In the closing lines of the poem,
Bradstreet makes reference to “a house on high erect... With glory richly
furnished.” This imagery points to an eternal paradise with God, of which
requires great sacrifice, grace and fortitude. In this poem, Bradstreet
identifies the Covenant of Grace, as well. Though her possessions and home are
destroyed, God spared her. In this poem, Bradstreet uses the burning of her
home to illustrate God’s saving grace, a return to simplicity, and a renewed
focus on God’s plan for us. None of which requires worldly possessions.
In
John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity,” Winthrop serves as a kind of prophet
to the Puritan people. He reaffirms their faith and their purpose in travelling
to the New World. An important figure in early America, particularly
influential Puritan values, Winthrop thoroughly incorporates the Covenant of
Works and the Covenant of Grace throughout his text. In one passage, Winthrop
proclaims, “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.” This passage serves as a motivational reminder to the Puritans and uses
the Covenant of Works to really drive God’s message home. Again, the Covenant
of Works requires absolute obedience to God’s law. As the Puritans embark on a
new feat in their lives, Winthrop, as community leader, knows and understands
the importance of absolute faith within his people. The Covenant of Works
serves as an expected requirement for the Puritan people as they journey to the
New World—it is quite literally what powers their quest. Further into the same
passage as above, Winthrop provides the alternative path the Puritan people
could choose to take, stating, “but if we shall neglect the observation of these articles which are the
ends we have propounded, and, dissembling with our God, shall fall to embrace
this present world and prosecute our carnal intentions, seeking great things
for ourselves and our posterity, the Lord will surely break out in wrath
against us, and be revenged of such a people, and make us know the price of the
breach of such a covenant.” This passage illustrates the consequences of
breaking the Covenant of Grace. Though God can dole out his saving grace, He
can also damn those who focus solely on worldly amenities and possessions. Though
one can be saved and regenerated into the community of believers, great feats
await those who stray away from God’s plan. This passage serves as a firm and endearing warning to
the Puritan people—that their purpose in the New World is their only purpose,
and should remain their only focus. The New World may provide great worldly items they are unfamiliar with, but there are no greater rewards than those received in heaven. They cannot forget this. Otherwise, they will be damned.
The Covenant of Work and Covenant of Grace are an interesting foundation to build around. The twin powers of God to both create and destroy (giveth and taketh away, as it were) are incredibly appropriate to a society living on the edge of destruction not only in the sense that any civilization could be struck by unforeseen disaster, but also in the sense that they are in a strange land that threatens their very existence day to day. No infrastructure, separated from their homeland by a vast ocean, and all the while working to maintain a faith in a higher power that loves while at the same time demanding obedience. In a foreign land, to be damned becomes an apocalyptic threat, something the burning house illustrates nicely. It forces the community together in both love and fear, all in the name of survival and a desire to flourish in the Puritans’ new home.
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