For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world. – John Winthrop, “A Model of Christian Charity”

These were the words of John Winthrop while on board the Arbella on the passage from England. He spoke these words to his Puritan brethren as they traveled to the New World in search of the opportunity to practice their faith free from the hindrance of government authorities. (I recognize there is plenty to be said in criticism of the Puritans and their “religious freedom,” which could be translated as “freedom to practice my faith my way and persecute those who don’t,” but just bear with me here)

Continue reading ““A City Upon A Hill””