War And Heroism Essay, Research Paper

Athena Verma

English III Honors

Ms.Caldwell

August 28,2000

On Sunday, July 8, 1741, Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan theologian and pastor at the First Church of Northampton, MA, travels to Enfield, Connecticut and preaches Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Jonathan Edwards is a American Congregational clergyman and theologian, born in East Windsor, Connecticut Colony. When Edwards was twenty-six his grandfather died and became the pastor at Northampton. He is a firm believer in Calvinism and the doctrine of predestination. One thing was for sure, churchgoers did not expect the sermon to be what it was. His strong and forceful words left the people in virtual hysteria. This revival by Jonathan Edwards included stern demands to his followers that they must repent and become reborn to escape God?s wrath. As Jonathan Edwards had finished his sermon, it was clear that it had touched many people. Several times throughout the piece he would have to stop and ask the congregation to quiet down, because there was so much weeping and hysteria occurring. It was the content of the speech, not the deliverance so much that caused the weeping and fainting of the people. His words were delivered in a calm humane manner, the content however consisted of ?hell and brimstone.? Throughout the sermon Jonathan Edwards uses metaphors and similes to paint a vivid picture enabling the congregation to literally feel the burn in the word fire. After hearing of all these events that went on many would question, does Jonathan Edwards sincerely care about the salvation of others, or is he merely trying to scare people. After I questioned many churchgoers they all strongly believe that he does in fact sincerely preach for the salvation of others and that is why he is so dedicated and passionate about spreading the word of God. This sermon is sure to be infamous for the masterpiece that was brought at the height of the New England Revivals.