Introduction
John Witherspoon was a “political parson” in the struggle of the North American English colonies for independence. His works played an important role in creating the American Constitution. “The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men” is the most crucial of Witherspoon’s texts, a sermon that caused a wide public response in the 18th century.
At the same time, it combines informational, educational, and moralizing functions. This paper focuses on this document study, the author’s purpose, and ways to achieve it. This brief analysis will highlight the text’s main aspects and reveal Witherspoon’s intentions when reading it in front of his audience at Princeton.
The Writer’s Purpose
The purpose of writing this text is to encourage people to trust God and seek His guidance during the Revolutionary War. Witherspoon (10) said, “It is the duty of every good man to place the most unlimited confidence in divine wisdom,” and a person should “believe that measures are directed to the same great purposes.” These are the principles and concepts on which the Declaration of Independence must be built to form the United States nation and a better future for the country and its citizens (Divine Providence in the Declaration of Independence).
He sought to counsel people and bring God’s words to sinners and the righteous in “preparing for the resolute defense of their temporal rights” (Witherspoon 21). He tried to cover issues of spiritual life and draw people’s attention to saving souls, even in unfavorable political moments. In brief, Witherspoon’s text’s purpose was to exert a religious and moral influence on the worldview and behavior of listeners by imbuing them with a particular maxim of Christian doctrine.
Ways to Achieve the Purpose
John Witherspoon generally attempts to achieve his purpose using Pathos, appealing to the audience’s emotions. It was essential to protect the Protection of Divine Providence, to save citizens’ lives, their honor, and fortune (Divine Providence in the Declaration of Independence). Pathos is one of the most effective rhetorical devices, addressing individuals’ sympathy, fear, pity, empathy, and other sensations. Witherspoon found a heartfelt response from his listeners by choosing the right words competently and correctly.
The text is inspiring and motivating, making people feel what the author wanted and eliciting specific emotional responses. For instance, according to Witherspoon (28), “if therefore we yield up our temporal property, we simultaneously deliver the conscience into bondage.” Throughout the text, he tries to arouse people’s anger and discontent with the existing injustice, appealing to them to make cardinal decisions and actions, following God’s instructions. The use of the duty and service concepts in the document aroused a sense of responsibility in the audience and got people’s attention through inspirational actions, which benefited the outcomes.
Conclusion
Therefore, John Witherspoon saw the purpose of writing “The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men” as conveying the meaning of God’s word to people’s minds, pointing the way to salvation. He intended to appeal to his audience’s feelings and emotions to arouse hatred of the country’s situation through Pathos. Trusting in God and praying for His mercy are the right and wise things to do on such difficult days. People were imbued with the author’s speech because of the text’s importance and the showing of passion and emotions, which greatly influenced the audience’s thinking.
Works Cited
“Divine Providence in the Declaration of Independence.” The Founding, Web.
Witherspoon, John. The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men. 2nd ed., the Booksellers in Town and Country, 1777.