Puritans were the English people who didn't agree with the Church of England and left their country for a new world. They wanted to find a place where they had their freedom to follow what they believed. Those people were going to America. They were the pioneers of the America. According the famous writings of Smith, Bradford, and Edwards about the Puritans, there are three main traits of them: great sense of community, a very strong work ethic, and a strict moral code.
The Puritans throughout their history has demonstrated a great sense of community. When they first came to America, many of them died because of diseases and harsh weather, but those who had suffered from illness helped others out, they "fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat, made their beds, washed their loathsome clothes, clothed and unclothed them" (Bradford, page 73). In the hardship, those people decided to service their community. Their belief in God had been stronger and wider, their devotion became the essential dependence for their survival. Their sacrifice for the community is the main factor to survive.
The Puritans were the pioneers who settled in America. They exhibited a very strong work ethic in surviving and building their own base during their very first time in America. According to Smith's "the General History of Virginia", after landing on Virginia, they had a hard time having "extreme toil in bearing and planting palisades", their "continued labor in extremity of the heat" had so weakened them (Smith, Page 67). They believed that working is the only way to survive. They tried to build their own houses and to find their food. These Puritans knew that: to find a new world means to face all the new challenges. Working is the only way to survive in such a harsh place, their working ethic made them suffer the hardship.
The Puritans believed in their God, they followed a strict moral code. In "Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God", Edwards showed the Puritan point of view: they believed God "will not forbear the executions of his wrath, or in the least lighten his hand" (Page 100). God is very generous, but he is a strict guardian to the sinners. To them, if God can let them out of hell, he can also send them back to hell. Their firm belief in God was the reason for them to face all the challenges in America. Religion and belief give people fortitude to face misery.
Three traits of the Puritans were conveyed through the three writings. The Puritans were not only the pioneers of the present America, but they also showed us many great characteristics. They suffered all the adversities, illness and starvation because they had a very strong belief. Although many years have passed, the Puritans are still alive. They have become a part of the American history.
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