The afterlife and what lies beyond are truly mysterious subjects. What truly lies beyond is a matter of faith and belief. Anne Bradstreet, author of "Upon the Burning of our House" and Jonathan Edwards who wrote "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" both share a veneration of God; however their view of the Lord are strikingly different. Subsequently, the varying religious views of Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards distinguish several literary elements in each author's works.
Although Jonathan Edwards and Anne Bradstreet share a similar religious belief their point of view could not be further apart. Bradstreet views God as "that mighty architect" and conveys him as a merciful creator. In direct contrast to that Edward's view of God shows him as the "merciless ruler" and that God is poised to "destroy the sinner." These contrasting points of view help distinguish each author's religious beliefs.
While the tone of an angry parent can motivate a child to action, the tone of an angry pastor speaking of the wrath of God can motivate an entire congregation to action, such is the tone of Jonathan Edwards - angry but persuasive. Edwards invokes fear by using harsh and angry examples such as "fiery wrath" and fierceness of His wrath in Hell." Ultimately his tone is used to motivate them to be born again as a Puritan; with motivation from his fearful ad harsh tone he seamlessly accomplishes that goal. Bradstreet, in contrast, has a much softer tone used to reassure her readers that God is merciful and kind. Bradstreet speaks highly of God and refers to him as "the mighty architect." She is humble and feels no true sorrow when her home and possessions are burned since "her hope and treasure lies above".
As a result, their purpose is shared; they both want to motivate people to become closer to God. Bradstreet uses kind words like "his gift" and "my hope and treasure lies above." Edwards may use harsh and vigorous language like "fiery pit of Hell" and "His great anger" but the end result is to motivate his congregation to become closer to the Puritan religion.
