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Nellie Alonso

Ms. Storer

English 3 Honors American Literature

September 4, 2019

Puritan Beliefs and Writers

Puritans live according to strict moral and religious principles. Anne Bradstreet’s poems

“Upon the Burning of Our House” and “To My Dear and Loving Husband” and Jonathan Edwards

“From Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” demonstrate that the authors shared these strict

moral and religious principles. Both works illustrate how the Puritans valued salvation in heaven,

an intimate relationship with God, and the importance of fulfilling matrimony.

Both authors saw life after death as very important by portraying an everlasting life in their

work. For example, when Bradstreet explains her eternal love to her husband, she says, “Then

while we live, in love let’s so persevere, That when we live no more, we may live ever” (“To My

Dear and Loving Husband” 12). Here, Bradstreet explains that her husband is a metaphor for God

because it explains a never-ending love and an immortal relationship. This passage shows that

Puritans believe in a life after death because she thinks after she dies, in her stay in heaven, their

love will live forever. It is important because for them to think about a life with their loved ones

is tranquility, and also a firm belief, showing one of the religious principles in this poem.

Moreover, Edwards looks forward to life after death. During his sermon, he expresses, “And now

you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has flung the door of mercy wide

open” (Edwards 97). Edward conveys that the people listening to the speech can acknowledge that

God can save one and give a second chance to be in heaven if one wants to take it. She is thus

demonstrating the moral principle of knowing what is right and wrong, considering salvation as a
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gift because now people do not have to suffer an eternity in hell. In addition, they believe in a

lasting relationship with God.

As shown in the works of these authors, a strong bond with God is vital in the Puritan faith.

Bradstreet illustrates her affection towards God and acceptance to his will after the burning of her

house; she concludes, “The World no longer let me love, My hope and treasure lies above” (“Upon

the Burning of Our House” 54-55). Bradstreet explains that the bond between her and God is

powerful because she has hope and treasures him for everything that he is and what he does for

her. This passage proves how Puritans believed what matters is what lies above, showing a deep

sense of morality that gives her a closer connection to God. On the other hand, the sermon of

Edward demonstrates a differing view of the relationship between God and humanity. For

example, during his speech, he exclaims, “God; it is nothing but his mere pleasure that keeps you

from being this moment swallowed up in everlasting destruction” (Edwards 98). The author

portrays humanity that falls into sin and a God that is all-mighty and that he is the only here that

can save one from going to hell. Though different from Anne’s perspective, this shows how the

Puritans made a stronger connection with God because they feared damnation. At the same time,

they consider God necessary for the salvation of their souls. Likewise, they believe in the perfect

idea about marriage and the ultimate commitment.

Ultimately, Bradstreet considered matrimony to be a sacred union and Edward a full

commitment. As an example, when Bradstreet describes her love for her husband, she exalts, “If

ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee” (“To My Dear and

Loving Husband” 1-2). She appreciates and cherishes his love more than anything, even more than

some precious commodities. Through her engagement, Bradstreet provided the image of a perfect

Puritan marriage based on love and built on faith. This text illustrates a great example of Puritan
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couples and how women are supposed to appraise their husband and devote themselves to their

homes. Shows moral principles by portraying a faithful and loving relationship. Furthermore,

Edward talks about a different form of marriage, which is like a commitment to God. During the

sermon, the author conveys, “ With their hearts filled with love to Him that has loved them and

washed from their sins in His blood, and rejoicing in the hope of the Glory of God” (Edwards 99).

The passage shows that God calls one to be in a covenant with him and that most of the people

should be in one with him instantly. The author explains that God loves the people committed to

their religion, just like a marriage; a couple loves each other because of their feelings and the

responsibility of settlement. It is essential because it shows Puritan principles of compromise and

obligation. In summary, all these clauses help to have a clear idea of the Puritan beliefs portrayed

by the sermon and poems.

In conclusion, Puritans are people who follow their morals and adhere to their principals.

Demonstrated by both authors, consider matrimony and commitment as an essential aspect for

Puritans because it is crucial to understand other religions and beliefs, also the promise of heaven

or hell in the afterlife, and a stable relationship with God to characterize one’s religious principles.

It is crucial to recognize the relevance to learn about history and beliefs to continue creating new

ones and not to make the same mistakes. Analyzing people’s faith; one can see connections

amongst other faiths.

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Works Cited

Bradstreet, Anne. “To My Dear and Loving Husband.” Glencoe American Literature, by Jeffrey

D. Wilhelm et al., Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009, pp. 92.

Bradstreet, Anne. “Upon the Burning of Our House.” Glencoe American Literature, by Jeffrey

D. Wilhelm et al., Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009, pp. 91.

Edwards, Jonathan. “from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Glencoe American

Literature, by Jeffrey D. Wilhelm et al., Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009, pp. 97-99.