It may
seem a bit obvious, but one way to describe God in Edwards's sermon is "angry."
Edwards was preaching to a congregation who he considered insufficiently committed to their
faith, and this sermon was intended to promote a new sense of diligence and piety in the
community. To do so, Edwards portrays God as angry and wrathful toward sinners.
God is a great deal more angry with great numbers that are now on
earth, yea, doubtless with many that are now in this congregation, that it may be are at ease
and quiet, than he is with many of those that are now in the flames of hell.
These were strong words for those who felt comfortable, even lax in
their faith. Edwards further emphasized that God was all-powerful and capable of casting any of
them into hell. The only thing keeping anyone out of hell is the "mere arbitrary will, and
uncovenanted unobliged forbearance of an incensed God." Edwards claims people are suspended
above hell like a "loathsome insect," and God holds them in his hand only out of
mercy. Edwards used such words as "loathe" and "fury" to describe God's view
of man. He urged his people to accept the opportunity presented by accepting divine mercy,
an
extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has
flung the door of mercy wide open, and stands in the door calling and crying with a loud voice
to poor sinners.
is the only buffer between human beings and a wrathful and angry God.
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