The Puritan Spirit

The Puritans lost half of all settlers in the first winter that they spent in Boston. Life looked dreary and desolate for the Puritans,but the Puritans always took it in stride. After John Winthrop's son drowned, he took it in stride. "We have met with many sad and discomfortable things... and the lord's hand hath been heavy upon my self." (92) After that passage Vowell goes on to say how the Puritans took everything in stride, something she finds amazing. " Someone whose child had died could still believe in God, much less describe him as merciful" (92) After reading about this event I realized how dedicated to their religion they actually are. I have read about very religious people that have become atheists because a child has died, but John Winthrop takes it in stride. This is a Microcosm of the Puritan spirit, when half the population of Boston died, No one was disheartened; they believed it was all a part of God's plan. One action that greatly demonstrates the Puritan spirit is their willingness to stand up to their King. When faced with an appointed Governor from England coming to Boston with a Military escort, Winthrop says " We ought not to accept him." (117) Saying this ensures suicide, " he knows that English monarchs are not shy about dispatching their battleships when provoked." (117) Winthrop knew that if the Governor took control that would mean the end of Boston. I admire the Puritans for putting their lives on the line for what they believed. They did not do that just during that one instance; coming out to America in the first place, they put their lives on the line. They did it because they were God's "chosen" people and it was their responsibility to turn the church into a respectable institution.