Course Weblog for Plattsburgh State University's Spring 2009 class on Puritan Literature. Try to contain yourselves, please.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Nehemias Americanus
While reading I first noticed how Winthrop was describe as a person. He seemed bright and well educated with all the right opportunities one could ask for. Winthrop was a Christian but felt that there where some things he did not agree with in the church and was said to have a "hand for the common good of the nation and the interests of religion." I believe that this was more common among people back then. It seems that because religion was the main part in someone’s life that most people tended to have similar qualities to Winthrop on a general sense.
Winthrop, however, took his religious beliefs to a higher level.He continuously applies himself to get as much information he can. His reward for his good deeds was to be a leader in New England. He spent every day bidding the Lord in everything he did in house and religious duties.I sense that Winthrop really could have been just as successful today; because of all the suffering that occurred Winthrop was continuously re-elected by the people. He must have handled the hardships of the Puritans well for him to be so well liked.I do feel that because he was so well liked and did so many great things that some people almost wanted him to mess up which earned him enemies of his own.It seemed like his enemies were jealous of his achievements causing them to be resentful towards Winthrop.
You hit the nail on the head Jessica. It really is amazing that the people were willing to re-elect him despite the setbacks faced. It would have been very easy to make him a scapegoat for the woes of the plantation, but instead they placed their faith in Winthrop and continually put him in a position as a public servant. This really does say a lot about what he meant to the people of the colony, and as to how he lived his life, even among other Puritans.
An interesting exploration would be one into the lives of those who did not care for Winthrop's policies and actions. You mentioned in your post that he developed enemies as a result of his achievements. I always find it funny to think that people are so bitter about other's success that they are willing to hate them for it. I agree with Justin. It is really amazing when one steps back and looks at it to think that times were not always great in Plymouth, yet Winthrop continuously got elected. He is truly an inspiration.
You hit the nail on the head Jessica. It really is amazing that the people were willing to re-elect him despite the setbacks faced. It would have been very easy to make him a scapegoat for the woes of the plantation, but instead they placed their faith in Winthrop and continually put him in a position as a public servant. This really does say a lot about what he meant to the people of the colony, and as to how he lived his life, even among other Puritans.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting exploration would be one into the lives of those who did not care for Winthrop's policies and actions. You mentioned in your post that he developed enemies as a result of his achievements. I always find it funny to think that people are so bitter about other's success that they are willing to hate them for it. I agree with Justin. It is really amazing when one steps back and looks at it to think that times were not always great in Plymouth, yet Winthrop continuously got elected. He is truly an inspiration.
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