In his
1741 sermon , the Puritan preacherpaints a vivid picture of the precarious position of those
who transgress against God. Speaking of the fiery pit that is open beneath them, he warns people
that sinners are in Gods hands and that he dangles them over this abyss. He warns them that it
would be a mistake not to believe that they are in such a position, basing his argument on a
Biblical passage: Their foot shall slide in due time (Deuteronomy 32:35). Presenting the idea
of the slippery slope literally, Edwards aims to convince everyone that a misstep is only a
matter of time. People are walking over the pit of hell on a rotten covering.
People would also be mistaken to think that their own actions play a role in keeping
them from damnation. Although they must try to avoid sin, it is not entirely possible. Only Gods
will can save them: There is nothing that keeps wicked men, at any moment, out of Hell, but
the mere pleasure of God.
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