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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 4 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the introductory section of his sermon, Edwards speaks of the works that God "wrought" (405). What has God done with these works?

2. In the introductory section of his sermon, Edwards quotes the Bible as saying that the Israelites were "void of counsel," (405). What is this saying about the Israelites?

3. What criticism does Edwards level against the people mentioned in the opening of his sermon?

4. What was Edwards' usual manner of delivering a sermon?

5. In the introduction of his sermon, what is the first thing Edwards says is true of the Israelites' destruction?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Edwards preached his revised sermon to the Enfield Congregation, what was the reaction, and how did Edwards respond?

2. Summarize Edwards' four-part argument from the introductory section of his sermon.

3. What does Edwards mean when he says the Israelites "under all the cultivations of heaven, brought forth bitter and poisonous fruit" (405)?

4. According to Edwards, what is the meaning of the Biblical passage that opens the sermon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify an aphorism in Edwards' sermon. Explain what qualifies it as an aphorism and discuss its rhetorical effect.

Essay Topic 2

Edwards' sermon contains a large number of metaphors. In your opinion, does this add to the effectiveness of the sermon, or would it be more effective if it chose and developed a single conceit? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

The Great Awakening is considered to be the birth of American Evangelical Christianity. Explain what Evangelical Christianity is and discuss how its key tenets can be traced to the Great Awakening.

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