Consider the ideals, values, and themes that early American writers considered to be important and worthy of inclusion in their journals, sermons, and poems. What are these ideals and values? Why were they important? How do different writers incorporate them into their works? Did certain values or ideals seem to become more or less important over time? If so, why? Cite specific examples from the writings of Bradford, Winthrop, Bradstreet, and Edwards in your response ...

Christianity is one of the ideas and values that a lot of early American writers based on in their works. These writers believed that for each of their actions, there would be a corresponding punishment or reward or punishment by God, and they also believed that He has a plan that need not be questioned. One example is from Anne Bradstreet’s poem titled "Upon the Burning of Our House", in which she wrote "Adieu, Adieu, All’s Vanity." This specific piece is a reference from the Old Testament, which implies that a foolish and selfish act to grieve over earthly belongings.