Winthrop’s Journal, “History of New England,” 1630-1649. Volume 1

Born into the English upper class, John Winthrop was stubbornly devoted to the Puritan faith; his choice of religion militated against stardom in his native land. As governor of the Massachusets Bay Colony, however, he would shine, serving twelve years in that position. In 1630, Winthrop eagerly set sail in the Arabella, and on the rough seas of the Atlantic, delivered his famous sermon A Modell of Christian Charity (1630). Winthrop's sermon exhorted the colonists to unite and build "a City Upon a Hill," warning them that they must not fail, as the eyes of all were upon them. Other writings include his Journal (1790) and The History of New England (1825-26).