many not saved and doomed to damnation. He preaches, "now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open" (Lauter 602). He pleas to divert the influence of uncertified preachers and stay close to the community and save themselves. His idea of holding a community is by threat of damnation. As Ursula Brumm explains in her essay "Jonathan Edwards and Typology," in Early American Literature: A Collection of Critical Essays, "Edwards took part heart and soul in the events of the Great Awakening. He regarded this movement with overwhelming expectations in the belief that it marked the beginning of the millennium" (71). Edwards felt that the temptations of Satan was the cause of this event, and by force in this sermon, he attempted to hold his congregation during this test by God who wanted to see who was faithful.Franklin was not as forceful in his attempt to influence man to become more patriotic. He simply wanted some to follow the path that he paved. He discusses that the application of his list of virtues and how they make man a good citizen. He says "it's every one's interest to be virtuous, who wish'd to be happy even in this world" (Lauter 818). His aim is to show men, thatliterature, like his autobiography, helps men analyze their own errors and correct (Leary 15). The theme of "rags to riches" dominates Franklin autobiography and it is a common theme used by many American writers. At the time after America won its independence, the nation struggled for the identification of a model citizen. Franklin's true account of his success from moving from the lower class to the upper class influenced many of his fellow American in a needful time.Franklin and Edwards were innovators to their communities when people needed a model to live their lives. By their constant self-evaluation, self-improvement, publication of their personal narratives, and their acknowledgement of a need to bind socie...
