It is from mere and arbitrary grace” (Sermon on 1 Cor. 1:29–31). And in his famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” Edwards says with respect to sinners suspended over the pit: “All that preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, and uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance, of an incensed God.” The key point is that men have no right to censure God in the free distribution of His grace. Sinners have forfeited any claim of mercy. Damnation is a debt due sin, but grace is free