An Introduction to American Literature

Jorge Luis Borges

the independence of America began on that morning in 1620 when the 102 Pilgrims of the Mayflower
landed at a point on its eastern coast.
Calvinists – adverse to the Anglican Church, professed the doctrine of predestination – believe that God
predestined them to glory rather than to hell – identified themselves with the Israelites of the Exodus
(avid readers of Scripture) – CHOSEN PEOPLE

An untamed continent surrounded them; they had to struggle against solitude, against the Indians and
the forest, and finally against the armies of England and France
Like the first Christians they were hostile to the arts because they led men away from the fundamental
business of salvation. 4
John Winthrop 1588-1649 – governor of Massachusetts – drew up its constitution
Cotton Mather 1663-1728 – the Wonders of the Invisible World – cases of diabolical possession. New
England to become the leader of a world converted to Calvin’s doctrine.

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) - William James cites him frequently in The Varieties of
Religious Experience. Edwards was an energetic and effective preacher, not free from
threatening postures. The title of the most famous of his sermons, "Sinners in the Hands
of an Angry God," indicates his style. Let us quote from a typical paragraph: "The bow of
God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow
at your heart…and nothing but the mere pleasure of God…keeps that arrow…from being
made drunk with your blood." Metaphors of this sort have led to the supposition that
Edwards was fundamentally a poet, frustrated by theology. In one
of his last treatises Edwards says of God: "He is everything and he is alone."