Signe Søgaard and Kristine Villadsen
Claim, grounds and warrant
Our claim is that the puritans believed in the Christian charity and to help our fellow man.
Our grounds for this can be seen in the texts “A Model of Christian Charity
By Governor John Winthrop – 1630”. Here many quotes and general features can be found to
proof our claim to be right. For example the quote on page 2 line 11-15, where john Winthrop
has written: “ There are two rules whereby we are to walk one towards another: Justice and
Mercy. These are always distinguished in their act and in their object, yet may they both concur
in the same subject in each respect; as sometimes there may be an occasion of showing mercy to
a rich man in some sudden danger or distress, and also doing of mere justice to a poor man in
regard of some particular contract, etc.” In this quote we see the puritans two rules on how to
behave in front of one another.
The puritans believed in “justice and mercy” and that this should be practiced from both the
wealthy and the poor, cause the puritans didn’t believe that the rich and wealthy where better
or more likely to be saved from God then the poor. In fact the text on page 2 line 2-5 says:
“From hence it appears plainly that no man is made more honorable than another or more
wealthy etc., out of any particular and singular respect to himself, but for the glory of his Creator
and the common good of the creature, Man.”
This thought about no one being should be considered more honorable then another was a
reason for the puritans to do good deeds for all and to see everyone as equal.
The text also describes how the puritans should see everyone as friends and also love their
enemies. John Winthrop has In page 2 line 36-37 written: “Thirdly, the Law of Nature would
give no rules for dealing with enemies, for all are to be considered as friends in the state of innocence, but the Gospel commands love to an enemy.” So here we see another example of the puritans love for everyone and help to the ones in need.
Based on these 3 quotes we can see that the puritans saw good deeds and loving your fellow
man as an important and big part of life, despite differences or disagreements.
Signe Søgaard and Kristine Villadsen
We also know that the Puritans believed in reincarnation, and therefore Karma and good
deeds could determent how they would do in their next life and how they would be reincarnated. They had to behave and love one another to be gifted with a good next life and this
knowledge can help to proof our claim and grounds.