Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, the most famous of all fire and brimstone sermons, was first preached by Jonathan Edwards, a prominent Puritan minister, in Enfield, Connecticut, in 1741. As was customary in 18th century New England, the sermon was printed and copies were distributed to a wide audience. It was the first and most enduring expression of the uncompromising Calvinist theology of the Great Awakening.

After its initial presentation, the audience was so frightened that many attendees were found openly weeping. There were also a number of reports of swoonings, outcries and convulsions from audience members.

Excerpt

The wrath of God burns against them, their damnation does not slumber; the pit is prepared, the fire is made ready, the furnace is now hot, ready to receive them; the flames do now rage and glow.

External link

• The Sermon from the Jonathan Edwards web site