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Edwards Use Of Imagery In The Death Of Jonathan Edwards

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Edwards uses strong imagery to explicate an ominous tone through his preaching. The frightening tone that the speaker has set is portrayed by his use of harsh words. In the beginning Edwards states, “Their foot shall slide in due time...God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go.” In this short warning the speaker is telling the audience that humans are sooner or later going to go to hell. Humans are utterly corrupted and sinful and they are always going to be tempted to commit sin, during that time God will not save them. His use of harsh words is creating fright in the listener's mind. The image of out-of-control sliding motion is inevitable. Edwards preaches in an unfriendly tone to convey his listeners …show more content…

God has shown to be forgiving as he stops himself from harming the humans. In Edwards words, “The sword of divine justice is every moment brandished over their heads, and it is nothing but the hand of arbitrary mercy, and God’s will, that holds it back”. Sinners are on the edge of destruction but God showers his mercies upon them by holding back. God is giving a ray of opportunity by showing his forgiving nature as he has not let them fall into the fire of hell. God is much greater than the sinners and is ready to forgive. Edwards illustrates that God can be considerate, if human have a true repentance of their sins. According to Edwards the only bridge between sinner and hell is God’s considering nature, “The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string...but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood”. Humans still have time to save themselves by seeking forgiveness by integrating God in their lives. Edwards scares his congregation, but at the same time wants them to repent their sins by attending church and believe in his considerate nature. God’s compassionate nature represents him to be merciful. Towards the closing of the sermon, Edwards states, “And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands in calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners”. God is calling for action by leaving the door of heaven open for a short time. True repentance of sins can help achieve

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