John Winthrop and John Smith

When I first began reading Winthrop and Smith it was easy to imagine the uncertainty, anxiousness and excitement that they experienced in the New World. Smith especially liked to interest readers with his detailed descriptions and third person point of view. However, I was quite surprised by the differences in their writings. Smith was more focused on detailed stories (some might argue that they're fabricated) and describing the land while Winthrop stressed the importance of having a nation founded by God. It's easy to see why they chose these different styles because one could make a good sales pitch in either direction. For instance, Winthrop's ideas of being a city on a hill and establishing a godly nation would appeal to Puritans and other Protestants. On the other hand, Smith's ideas that there are plenty of resources to make one rich would appeal to those who want something new and adventurous in their life. Both Smith and Winthrop touched on important subjects that still apply to Americans today.