Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (original) (raw)

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.

The most famous fire and brimstone sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God 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.

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.

The text of the sermon is now in the public domain.