Imagery of divinity
Divinity is portrayed through imaginary imagery and Biblical imagery, along with invocations of religious themes. Edwards wants to fascinate his audience, broadening their conception of God from the normal pedestrian opinion of God to a more holistic, mystic, and humbling opinion of God. He does this by elaborating theories about God's supreme authority, the ultimate dependence of every living being on God, and the power of a God who sustains a reality such as this one.
Imagery of wrath
Wrathful imagery is among Edwards' most important. He preaches about the appropriateness of terror and fear when considering the ways God could instantly destroy any life. He even suggests that suffering and pain are divine tools used for disciplining the human soul out of its primal ignorance and evil. He feels that life itself is only a foretaste of the real wrath that awaits humans after their death. His use of wrathful imagery is so central to his teaching that it has defined his reputation ever since. He is one of the most intentionally terrifying preachers to ever achieve mainstream appeal.
Natural imagery
For Edwards, natural imagery is a source of divine insight. The very habitat in which humans live is a method through which humans ought to explore their understanding of God. By praying in nature, he admits to himself that the comforts of modern society are nothing compared to the threat of death, which basically defines his experience of natural imagery. The spectacle of nature is a demonstration of God's power, and the regular occurrence of animal death in the life cycle of nature is an ominous reminder of judgment.
The religious life
Indirectly and directly, Edwards encourages his audience to consider what a proper life might look like. On the one hand a religious life includes the fear and trepidation that might cause someone to actually behave according to morals, and on the other hand, Edwards clearly advocates an intimate prayer life, replete with meditation on the scriptures. He wants people to understand that there is much more to religion than the normal comings and goings of a church community. He sees the entirety of life as an opportunity to explore divine nature.
