Edwards Rhetorical Analysis

Through his fire and brimstone teachings Edwards evokes an immense amount of fear in his listeners. To further impart the feeling upon his audience Edwards uses the rhetorical device pathos. Pathos “appeals to the audience’s emotions “(NMSI 13). This helps Edwards to reinforce his purpose and persuade his audience. Edwards informs his audience that “[unconverted men] are now the objects of that very same anger and wrath of God, that is expressed in the torments of hell” (Edwards 40). By telling his listeners that there is just as much anger directed at them as there is expressed in hell Edwards fuels their fear and shows them the horror they face by not converting which in turn persuades them even further to be “born again”. Though, this is
not all Edwards says to promote his cause further. Edwards goes on to say “God is dreadfully provoked, his anger is as great towards [natural men] as to those that are actually suffering the executions of the fierceness of his wrath in hell” (Edwards 41). Pastor Edwards includes this statement to show the congregation the extent of God’s anger toward them as well as how important there need to convert is. This use of pathos greatly emphasizes Edwards point and puts the congregation under even greater conviction. The use of pathos in Mr. Edward’s sermon creates a deeper feeling of fear throughout his audience and persuades them even more to become “born again”.