Edwards gave this sermon to his congregation in Enfield, CT, in 1741, during what is known as The Great Awakening in American religion, a period in which leaders of the church were hoping to re-instill religious convictions, which they felt were weakening, in their congregations. It is almost a shame, by the way, that Edwards is chiefly remembered for this harsh sermon--most of his writing and his service to the church was much more positive.