View of a Sinner
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Religious people today do not think and have the same ideas as those living three hundred years ago. In fact, in the 17th century, religious people were in fact more pessimistic about getting into heaven because of the ideas of predestination and the fear that one improper act could, and would, jeopardize one's chances of getting into heaven. Jonathan Edwards has obviously sinned somewhere along the road and is now using his experiences to caution other people.
Edwards's use of figurative language sets a very pessimistic view of life to the common people. By comparing people to disgusting insects, he does not leave much room for any kind of tolerance. In the passage, Edwards writes, "you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours". This insult crumbles any type of dignity any person holds; it leaves seemingly no hope for anyone to get into heaven. Also, Edwards shows that he does not have any respect for God, a higher being, because he does not capitalize "His", as most writers referring to God practice religiously. God is also portrayed as the exclusive pathway to heaven. "and yet it is nothing but his hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment," elucidates this idea that God can let go of one's hands at any moment...