City on a hill: a history of American exceptionalism

Introduction: The birth of a story

; Message: The mystery of Winthrop's manuscript

; The significance of Winthrop's Bible

; The meaning of Winthrop's city on a hill

; Materials: A true history of America

; A providential history of America

; A white history of America

; Myths: The rise of national history

; The spread of national pilgrims

; The creation of an exceptional New England

; Methods: Antiquarian America

; Puritan stock

; The Mayflower Compact versus a model of Christian charity

; Models: Creating a usable past

; A meaning to match its force

; Perry Miller's city on a hill

; The American Jeremiad

; American exceptionalism and America first

; Coda: The death of a sermon.