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What perception would Edwards's audience have of him as their speaker?
Quick answer:
Jonathan Edwards's audience would perceive him as a powerful and prominent theologian, especially during the Great Awakening religious revival. Known for his reputation, Edwards delivered his sermon with a calm demeanor, despite its terrifying content. His vivid imagery of God's wrath and the horrors of hell evoked strong emotional reactions, including fear and pleas for salvation. The audience viewed him as a spiritual authority capable of moving people deeply towards seeking forgiveness.
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.
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