Jonathan Edwards' A Divine and Supernatural Light, Immediately Imparted t the Soul by the Spirit of God, Shown to be Both Scriptural and Rational Doctrine is a sermon structured like a scientific theory. Edwards first explains his views on the Holy Spirit followed by evidenciary support for these views. This structure is made evident by Edwards' use of numbers and Roman numerals to separate each section of his essay. For instance, his 'Doctrine' is split up into 3 parts:
I. Show what this divine light is
II. How it is given immediately by God, and not obtained by natural means.
III. Show the truth of the doctrine. And then conclude with a brief improvement.
By using such notation, Edwards is almost presenting his ideas as if before a scientific committee that would require him to have sufficient evidence to support his theory.
At the very beginning of the essay, Edwards specifically discusses the Apostle Peter and how he is "blessed". Using Peter as an example, and through quoting scripture, Edwards conveys his devout faith, as well as his beliefs of the Holy Spirit. Edwards' use of Peter was appropriate because, as the story of the Passion illustrates, Peter is Jesus's right-hand man even when he is dying on the cross. Before Jesus dies, he turns to Peter and tells him to take care of his mother. In fact, it was at this point in time that the conversion from Judaism to Christianity was complete.
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Erin,
You've done a good job of summarizing the structure of the essay, but next time focus on analyzing the text. For example, you mention that "Edwards' use of Peter was appropriate." Why is this story more appropriate than any other? How would the meaning have been different if Edwards had used another example of a person who was blessed? Also, look at the language Edwards uses to tell this story. What is Edwards foregrounding in his explanation of the story? What does Edwards' explanation convey that the scripture does not?
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