When the seafarers first arrive at Bensalem they are denied entrance, although help would be provided if asked for, but they could not come ashore. Soon after they are approach by the Governor who asks, “Are ye Christians?” (242). The seafarers answer yes and then are allowed ashore, and then allowed to learn of Bensalem. I feel it must be asked, what if they answered negatively? This island is based on the “pure” tenants and ideals of Christianity, which if this were the case then the people would help regardless of the faith of those asking help.
One need only look at Mathew 25: 34-36 to see that those seeking help must be given it, without question of who they are. Yet, the nature and degree of the help given rests upon the seafarers being Christian. Why does Bacon do this, if he seeks to idealize Christianity?
Look at the passage again. They offer help even when they deny entrance: p. 242: "meanwhile if you want...help for your sick..."
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I see the problem in that unconditional help is not given to those not Christian. Non-christians are given a lesser degree of help in the text, as in they cannot come to shore.
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