Final answer:
John Winthrop's sermon provides a covenant as a unifying principle, setting forth a vision of a Puritan 'city on a hill,' emphasizing the reform of the church and the role of government to promote people's welfare, which resonates with contemporary political ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his sermon A Modell of Christian Charity, John Winthrop gives his audience three reasons why they must keep their covenant with God. Firstly, the covenant demonstrates their commitment to Puritan principles, aligning their new society with a utopian vision of a Puritan "city on a hill".
Secondly, the covenant underscores their mission to reform and purify the Church of England, setting a moral example for others to follow. Lastly, their covenant with God establishes a social and civil bond amongst the community, ensuring a cooperative and unified effort in building their new society.
Winthrop's sermon is an effective way to unite the members of his audience because it creates a shared sense of purpose rooted in religious fidelity and community betterment. It appeals to their spiritual convictions, suggesting that their efforts in the New World have divine approval and serve as a beacon of religious and social exemplarity.
Additionally, it emphasizes the idea, later echoed by John Locke, that laws and government should promote the welfare of the people, thus ensuring the sermon's resonance with contemporary political ideals.