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[.]”
Everyone represents a different part of the body or community. If one part of the body doesn't do their part then the rest of the body suffers, but if all parts of the body work together, then the body will be 'perfect' and successful in everything they do together. It is kind of like a soccer team. If the forwards do their part by trying to score a goal but the defenders run off the field to talk to people then the team will probably lose. But if all players work together and play as a team then they will be successful.
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.”
The colonists want to keep the ways of living they had in England but also add to and improve them for their new land of 'New England'. They don't want to completely disconnect themselves from England but they want to become the new and improve England.
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.”
The colonists believed they were sent to the new world to serve God better. They believed the lord sent them their to do his work for him and spread his word to others. None of them knew if God would choose to use them but they wall wanted to please him just in case they were the chosen ones.
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[.]”
Colonists felt as if they were up on a pedestal for all others to see them, so they had to set a prime example of behavior and work examples. They may have been located on a hill because that way they felt closer to God and were able to be in his presence more often than if they had been located down in a valley.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment