In reading this confession, it appears that people may have seen Nat Turner as slower in intellect than the average slave. He managed to run away for a few weeks then returned and the other slaves thought him crazy to return. But then he goes on to say he had a vision from God. With religion and faith tied to everything in those days, it's almost like he is comparing himself to Moses and feels he was called to lead lead the slaves in this revolt. Parts of his confession sound similar to the what Moses told the Pharaoh prior to the slaves being freed from Egypt (the sun going dark, blood flowed in the rivers, etc.). Was a bloody revolution what Nat thought was supposed to happen with this vision? Or was he suffering from something that could cause delusions/ hallucinations? In that time the health of slaves was not a priority as they could be replaced at any time. Even when Moses freed the slaves they never laid a hand on any of the Egyptians, they just stood by and left everything to God.

If this sermon was given in this day and age, many people would walk out during this. But this was given in a different time. People back then believed their spiritual leaders to be the mouth of God. But in saying this statement here, he is basically passing judgement on everyone there. No where does he mention that God died for everyone's sins, not just those who have converted. It makes it seem as if they are going to Hell unless they do exactly what Edwards wants them to do. There is no concrete blueprint on how to get into Heaven. And to imply that you will be left behind and your friends/family will go to Heaven without you. That's a huge guilt trip to put on an impressionable mind. He is promising a miracle that he cannot fulfill. Its all about getting the colonist to conform to his version of a righteous society.