Edwards

Edwards' choice of persuasive techniques worked for his audience because of three things. The first is the state his audience was in. Edwards was also in a time of much religious controversy. People wanted to be led. Lastly, Edward's beliefs were very strong and he wanted to convince the congregation of them.

The congregation Edwards spoke to was a mixture of Puritains and regular church-goers, most likely. They wanted to be led, and by the second half of the sermon, they were afraid to lead themselves. The congrecation wanted to be assured of a peaceful afterlife, like most people do, and would do anything to live their eternity in happiness.

In the time of this semon, many people were looking for a religion they could live with that wasnt as controlling as the churches of England. Very little was probably required to convince some of the more desperate soul searchers to become part of Edward's church because they may have just wanted to latch onto anything believable.

Edwards held a very strong belief for his religion and very badly wanted the simplicity and orthodoxy of the past Puritan life to return. So he spoke strong, passionate sermons in Massachusetts and was even a visiting minister in churches throughout New England.He even tried to spread his views to the Native Americans after the Great Awakening.

To conclude, Edwards spoke to many groups of people, trying to spread his beliefs. He hoped the congregations would latch on to his sermons and teachings as what was true and return to the times of more orthodox Puritanism. However, his plan backfired agter he was dismissed from his position after the Great Awakening.