A Model of Christian Charity Term Analysis

Mercy

A crucial concept to Winthrop’s political philosophy, mercy is the attitude of human compassion that moves all acts of charity. Without it, humans are selfish and society barbaric. Winthrop defines this term at the… read analysis of Mercy

Liberallity

“Liberallity” is Winthrop’s term for charitable giving, the happy material consequence of the feeling of mercy. He introduces this term in his discussion of mercy. He does not define it exactly—instead leaving it… read analysis of Liberallity

Justice

Supplementing mercy, the internal impulse all humans have to act charitably, justice refers to the external law. Winthrop uses the word interchangeably to indicate both civic and scriptural law, though he particularly focuses on… read analysis of Justice

Regeneracy

Winthrop uses this word—literally meaning “born again”—to indicate a state of godliness in people, a sort of chapter break in one’s life after the acceptance of Christ. Throughout the sermon, Winthrop refers to Christians as… read analysis of Regeneracy

To lay upp

This is Winthrop’s slang for “to hoard.” The language would have been well known to readers of the Book of Matthew: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth […]” (6:19). Though Winthrop admits… read analysis of To lay upp