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How does Edwards's tone in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" influence his congregation?

Edwards uses threatening, emotionally-charged language to convince the congregation that they "hang by a slender Thread, with the Flames of divine Wrath" waiting beneath to consume them. Recorded accounts of the reception of the sermon at an Enfield, Connecticut church in July of 1741 describe people fainting, weeping, and crying out to ask how they can be saved. This reaction is understandable because the sermon details at length how formidable God's anger is and how torturous the eternal punishment will be if one lands in hell.


Near the end of the sermon, Edwards momentarily modifies his tone and alters his message. He briefly introduces the idea that salvation might still be possible when he claims it is "a Day wherein Christ has flung the Door of Mercy wide open." Edwards promptly reverts to his overall threatening tone and cautions that sinners must act quickly to avoid a terrifying fate. His last words observe that damnation is "now undoubtedly hanging over great Part of this Congregation."

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