1. (1703-1758) Jonathan Edwards wrote the great sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” He was known as a brilliant and zealous preacher JONATHAN EDWARDS was born into a Puritan evangelical household on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut. He was the fifth of eleven children born to the Rev. Timothy and Esther Edwards. His childhood education immersed him not only in the study of the Bible and Christian theology but also in classics and ancient languages. http://edwards.yale.edu/about-edwards/biography/

2. Johnathon Edwards was educated at Yale and started there at the age of thirteen. He graduated in 1716. He made senior tutor of the college a few years after his graduation. At such a young age this was a significant achievement. He was Groomed to succeed his grandfather when his talent was recognized. His grandfather Solomon Stoddard was a prestigious pastor in Northampton Massachusetts at a Congregational Church. His grandfather was known as “Pope of the Connecticut Valley.” In 1726 Jonathon became his co- pastor. After Stoddard’s death in 1729 Jonathon succeeded his grandfather.

3. The great Awakening which lasted for 15 years in the Eastern Seaboard, was helped brought about by Jonathon, because he was such a charismatic Pastor who gave great sermons. The great awakening was a revival that brought about many conversions. It was even marked by mass hysteria at times because it was considered so emotional http://www.great-awakening.com/figures.htm

4. During this time Puritan Religion was on the decline and congregations accepted “unregenerate” Christians. These were folks who lived good lives and accepted the Church’s doctrine, but had not yet called themselves “born again” The sermons by Edwards and other Pastors let the congregation know that they were in a sinful state.

5. “Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life” http://thinkexist.com/quotes/jonathan_edwards/ Edwards most famous and greatest sermon is the “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” John Locke influenced Edwards sermon he was an English Philosopher. Edwards sermon was preached in Einfield Massachusetts, the congregation was so powerfully moved that Edwards had to pause many times to ask them to be quite. Intellectually intertwining in his sermon secular people as well as Puritans. His speech was meant to awaken men who were not reborn. He referred to the men who did renounce Christ as their Savior, as men “Out of Christ”. He felt the Universe in his vision was filled with the presence of God. He drew on his readings of the Bible as well as mother nature. His sermon’s were harsh and he often did not hesitate to make examples of prominent church members. Thus eventually losing his congregations support.