What Is The Purpose Of This Sentence In Edwards's Sermon

Unpacking the Purpose of a Single Sentence in Edwards's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"

Jonathan Edwards's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," a sermon delivered in 1741, remains a potent and controversial piece of American literature. Its fiery rhetoric and stark imagery continue to fascinate and provoke readers centuries later. Analyzing the purpose of even a single sentence within this powerful text requires careful consideration of its context, rhetorical strategies, and overall thematic goals. This essay will delve into the nuanced purposes served by a specific sentence—a selection crucial to understanding the sermon's impact—and explore its contribution to the overall effect of Edwards’s masterpiece. While pinpointing one particular sentence necessitates an arbitrary selection, the analytical framework employed can be applied to any sentence within the sermon. For the purpose of this analysis, let's consider the sentence: "There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God."

This seemingly simple sentence is, in fact, a densely packed rhetorical device, carrying immense weight within the sermon's argumentative structure. Its purpose is multifaceted, operating on several levels simultaneously to achieve a powerful emotional and intellectual impact on the audience.

1. Establishing the Precariousness of Human Existence

The primary purpose of this sentence is to underscore the fragility and precariousness of the human condition, particularly for those deemed "wicked" by Edwards. By stating that only God's "mere pleasure" prevents immediate damnation, Edwards eliminates any sense of security or self-reliance. He dismantles any notion of inherent human merit or earned salvation. The audience is confronted with the stark reality that their existence hangs by a thread, dependent entirely on the unpredictable whims of a powerful and potentially wrathful God. This directly challenges the audience's complacency, urging them to confront their spiritual state.

2. Heightening the Sense of Imminent Danger

The word choice itself is deliberately impactful. "Mere pleasure" suggests an arbitrary and potentially fleeting nature of God's mercy. It isn't a reasoned judgment, a carefully considered decision, or a response to human merit. It’s simply a whim, a momentary choice that could be withdrawn at any time. This contributes to the heightened sense of imminent danger that permeates the entire sermon. The audience is not simply warned of a future judgment; they are confronted with the immediate threat of eternal damnation hanging over them at every moment. The use of "any one moment" intensifies this immediacy, leaving no room for procrastination or complacency.

3. Emphasizing the Absolute Power of God

The sentence also serves to emphasize the absolute power and sovereignty of God. God is not merely a distant, uninvolved deity; He is actively and constantly choosing to restrain the forces of hell, holding back the righteous fury that the wicked deserve. This depiction of God is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The utter dependence of humanity on God's arbitrary will highlights His overwhelming power and control over human destiny. This reinforces the theological framework of the sermon, emphasizing God's absolute authority and the insignificance of humanity in comparison.

4. Utilizing Rhetorical Techniques for Maximum Impact

Edwards skillfully employs several rhetorical techniques to amplify the sentence's impact. The simplicity of the sentence itself, stripped of elaborate ornamentation, creates a stark and unforgettable image. Its brevity underscores the gravity of the message. The sentence functions as a powerful declarative statement, leaving no room for doubt or interpretation. Furthermore, the use of the word "mere" subtly undermines any sense of comfort or security. It implies that God's restraint is not based on any intrinsic goodness within the wicked, but rather on a capricious and potentially revocable act of will.

5. Creating a Sense of Dread and Urgency

The sentence's purpose extends beyond intellectual argumentation. It is designed to evoke a potent emotional response. The stark reality presented instills a profound sense of dread and urgency. The audience is forced to confront their own mortality and the potential for eternal damnation. This emotional impact is crucial to Edwards's persuasive strategy. He aims not merely to inform his listeners but to move them to repentance and a genuine conversion experience. The fear induced by this sentence serves as a powerful motivator for spiritual transformation.

6. Contextualizing the Sentence Within the Sermon

To fully understand the sentence's purpose, it's essential to consider its place within the broader context of the sermon. It's not an isolated statement but rather a crucial element within Edwards's carefully constructed argument. The sermon builds gradually, escalating the sense of impending doom through vivid imagery and increasingly forceful rhetoric. This sentence serves as a pivotal point in this escalation, marking a shift towards a more explicitly threatening tone. It reinforces the themes of God's wrath, human depravity, and the imminent danger of hellfire, preparing the audience for the subsequent calls to repentance and conversion.

7. Appealing to the Audience's Fear of Damnation

The sentence directly appeals to the audience's fear of damnation, a powerful motivator in the context of 18th-century Puritan theology. The fear of hellfire was a central element of Puritan religious life, shaping both individual behavior and societal norms. Edwards effectively leverages this fear to engage his audience and compel them to consider the implications of their spiritual condition. The sentence acts as a potent reminder of the eternal consequences of rejecting God's grace.

8. Analyzing the Use of "Wicked Men"

The term "wicked men" further enhances the impact of the sentence. It clearly identifies the target audience—those who have not yet embraced Christian piety. By directly addressing "wicked men," Edwards creates a sense of immediate relevance and personal accountability. The statement is not a general theological observation but rather a direct challenge to the audience's spiritual standing. This personalized approach intensifies the emotional impact and reinforces the sermon's call to action.

9. The Impact of the Sentence's Simplicity

The remarkable simplicity of the sentence is, in itself, a key to its effectiveness. It uses straightforward language, devoid of elaborate metaphors or complex theological arguments. This simplicity ensures that the message is accessible to the entire audience, regardless of their level of theological understanding. The starkness of the sentence amplifies its impact, making it easily memorable and deeply unsettling.

10. The Sentence as a Catalyst for Spiritual Awakening

Ultimately, the purpose of the sentence is to act as a catalyst for spiritual awakening. It is not simply a statement of fact but rather a call to action. By confronting the audience with the stark reality of their spiritual vulnerability, Edwards aims to motivate them to seek repentance and embrace God's grace. The fear and urgency instilled by the sentence are intended to spur a profound spiritual transformation, leading individuals to abandon their sinful ways and seek salvation.

In conclusion, the seemingly simple sentence, "There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God," serves a multitude of purposes within Edwards's sermon. It establishes the precariousness of human existence, heightens the sense of imminent danger, emphasizes God's absolute power, employs rhetorical techniques for maximum impact, creates a sense of dread and urgency, contextualizes the broader sermon's themes, appeals to the audience's fear of damnation, utilizes the term “wicked men” for personalized impact, capitalizes on the sentence’s impactful simplicity, and ultimately serves as a catalyst for spiritual awakening. Analyzing such a seemingly insignificant component reveals the intricate craftsmanship and powerful persuasive techniques employed by Edwards to achieve his sermon's profound impact. This demonstrates the importance of close textual analysis in understanding the effectiveness of rhetoric and its enduring power.