His phrase was used by puritan leader john winthrop when referring to the colonists opportunity to found a religiously-oriented settlement that would be admired and emulated by others around the world.

This phrase is "The City Upon a Hill". This sermon was introduced during the disembarkment of the Puritans in Arabella going to New England. The word "city" was referred to the first settlement that composes of the Puritan members and leaders. They wanted to create a city that follows the values and teachings of the Puritan ministry.