Early English colonists immigrated to America to escape religious persecution in England as well as to establish their version of a purified Christian state in the New World. Early American literature reflects the religious beliefs and ideals of those settlers. Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford, A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop, and The Wonders of the Invisible World by Cotton Mather demonstrate the beliefs, attitudes, and the common histories of the Pilgrims and the Puritans of that period. .
"Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford.
Of Plymouth Plantation, widely recognized as an invaluably accurate account of early colonial history, documents the life and times of the Pilgrims, from their foundation in England, to their immigration to the New World, to their arrival on Plymouth Rock up through the ensuing years. In typical Puritan style, it details how religion played a major role in every aspect of Pilgrim life, from the foundation of the Plymouth Plantation, to their chosen governmental style, to their community events, to their business operations and practices. .
Bradford wrote of the Pilgrims believed they would only prosper in life if they remained perfectly devoted to God in every aspect of their lives. What's more, they believed God would only take care of them if they never veered from that path. Even the name "Pilgrim" means a person who travels for religious reasons. .
A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop.
A Model of Christian Charity, a sermon by John Winthrop, was read to the Puritans while they sailed to America. It was written to bolster their courage and to give them a religious purpose. Winthrop told them or their God-given mission to establish the biblical example of the "City upon a Hill" as described by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount in America. He said to be faithful to their quest, and God would bless them with prosperity.