Jonathan Edwards

Throughout the whole sermon, Jonathan Edwards's quality education is obvious. His study of philosophy in college, as outlined by the biographical information on blackboard, is particularly apparent in the section where he attempts to show that his doctrine on grace and divine light is rational. He divides it into various premises, like a philosopher, arguing that particular arguments for divine light are rational and any views to the contrary are not. He continually says "It is rational to suppose..." He fails, however, to prove any of his claims without referencing anything other than his own theological views. This is probably because his audience was Christian and would probably not question the strength of his argument, but listen in awe and accept it. To an eighteenth century Christian in New England, everything about his views on divine light would probably seem natural and logical. His arguments would probably seem much less convincing to someone who didn't share his beliefs.
One thing that Edwards does do well in this section is refrain from turning it into a fire and brimstone sermon. There is a definite shift in strategy when it comes to this section as he tries to rationalize the characteristics of divine light which he has previously outlined. While there are various references to religious texts within the essay as well as myriad examples of religious rhetoric, there are less of them when he attempts to tackle the subject like a philosopher. He doesn't separate himself from his religious biases, but tries to interweave logical and philosophical strategy into a theological issue.