“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” What is his Purpose? How would the audience feel? To persuade members of the congregation to be “born again”

Imagery “The flames now do rage and glow” (lines 16-17) “The pit hath opened its mouth under them” (line 18) “fiery pit” and “sentenced” (line 28) “dreadfully provoked” (line 29) “suffering” “executions” (line 30) “fierceness of his wrath in hell” (line 30)

What comparison is Edwards making What comparison is Edwards making? “The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath toward you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire…you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours.” Lines 50-65

“…the pit hath opened its mouth under them…” (Line 18) Personification

“The bow of God’s wrath is bent…” (Line 38) Metaphor

“The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider…” (Line 50) Simile

“…his wrath towards you burns like fire…” (Lines 51-52) Simile

“…God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you, as against many of the damned in hell.” (Line 68-69) Simile

“You are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours.” (Lines 54-55) Hyperbole

“…justice bends the arrow at your heart…” (Line 39) Personification

How does he accomplish this purpose? What persuasive techniques does he utilize? *Fear *Descriptive Imagery *Repetition

Other examples of literary elements? Would this type of sermon be effective today?