Question

would fain lay hold on them, and swallow them up; the fire pent up in their own heart is struggling to break out.

1. what religious imagery does edwardss words create in your mind?

1. how do you think the people of colonial new england felt after hearing the sermon?

1. based on details in the text, what are some examples of puritan values and beliefs?

Explanation:

1. The phrase "the fire pent up in their own heart is struggling to break out" evokes religious imagery of internal spiritual conflict or the presence of divine or infernal (hell - related) fire, which is a common motif in religious sermons (especially in Puritan - influenced Christianity) representing either the Holy Spirit's presence or the danger of damnation.
2. Given the intense and vivid language (like the imagery of something "lay hold on them, and swallow them up"), the people of colonial New England likely felt fear, a sense of spiritual urgency, and perhaps a call to repentance. Puritan sermons often aimed to stir the congregation's emotions regarding their spiritual state.
3. From the text, the idea of a "fire pent up" could relate to the Puritan belief in the inner spiritual life (either the struggle with sin or the presence of grace). Also, the sense of something external ("would fain lay hold on them") might reflect the Puritan view of an active spiritual world (with God's judgment or Satan's influence).

Answer:

1. Imagery of internal spiritual fire (could be divine or infernal).
2. Fear, spiritual urgency, and a call to repentance.
3. Belief in an active spiritual world (with internal spiritual struggle) and the importance of the inner spiritual life.