What kind of perceptions would Edwards's audience have about him as their speaker?

Though he delivered the sermon twice, not much is known about the first time with his own congregation in Northampton, MA. When Edwards delivered it as a visiting minister in 1741 in Enfield, CT, it was a sensation and caused great outcry among the people who heard it that day, July 8. The audience would have known Edwards by reputation as one of the colonies' most prominent theologians--a superstar in those days--as New England was in the throes of the (First) Great Awakening religious revival movement.

Recorded history from that day indicates that despite the terrifying content of the sermon, Edwards never raised his voice. However, there are accounts of people interrupting him by asking what they could do to be saved, with much wailing, moaning and obvious fear.

In the lengthiest part of the sermon, Edwards utilizes compelling imagery of God's wrath and the horrors of hell. In a brief section at the end, Edwards declares that God stands ready to forgive sinners who seek his forgiveness, but that the time to do so will be limited.