Have you ever read the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards? Have you ever resolved to follow them yourself? Edwards reportedly wrote the first portion of these resolutions when he was only 19 years old. Do you think that contributed to his godly life? Perhaps you ought to make these resolutions yourself in this new year.
“Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly
entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far
as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.”
entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far
as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.”
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be
most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my
duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many
myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most
for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever
difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my
duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many
myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most
for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever
difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find
out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so
as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can
remember, when I come to myself again.
as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can
remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing,
whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor
be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor
be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but
improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do
live.
live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be
afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking
and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the
same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will
let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and
prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the
same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will
let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and
prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my
own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the
pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in
divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if
circumstances don’t hinder.
divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if
circumstances don’t hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a
gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw
it by.
gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw
it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit
objects of charity and liberality.
objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of
anger to irrational beings.
anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that
it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some
real good.
it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some
real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I
had done when I come to die.
had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is
best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the
gospel, and another world.
best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the
gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should
be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should
hear the last trump.
be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should
hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance
in eating and drinking.
in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I
should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to
think any way the more meanly of him.
should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to
think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as
much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power;
might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself
to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power;
might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself
to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate
action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace
it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not
to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace
it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not
to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil
action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both
carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might
against the original of it.
action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both
carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might
against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly,
what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love
of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love
of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do
abate my assurance.
abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything,
except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my
omissions.
except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my
omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily,
constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to
grow in the knowledge of the same.
constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to
grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to
let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so
made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession,
which I cannot hope God will accept.
let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so
made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession,
which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to
be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was
the week before.
be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was
the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against
anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of
Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and
sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often,
when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly
by the test of this Resolution.
anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of
Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and
sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often,
when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly
by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to
my trust, that that in Prov.
20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
my trust, that that in Prov.
20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards
making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without
over-balancing detriment in other respects.
making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without
over-balancing detriment in other respects.
34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything
but the pure and simple verity.
but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I
have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it
down, and also how the question was resolved.
have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it
down, and also how the question was resolved.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I
have some particular good call for it.
have some particular good call for it.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going
to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I
have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year.
to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I
have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is
ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. Sabbath evening,
ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. Sabbath evening,
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much
question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and
examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the
lawfulness of the omission.
question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and
examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the
lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to
bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to
eating and drinking.
bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to
eating and drinking.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day,
week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of
myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I
was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly
re-made this . . . day. [Believer’s baptism is indeed a dedication to God, and by it one joins the church; I trust Edwards, in heaven, now knows paedobaptism is not Scriptural.]
myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I
was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly
re-made this . . . day. [Believer’s baptism is indeed a dedication to God, and by it one joins the church; I trust Edwards, in heaven, now knows paedobaptism is not Scriptural.]
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act
as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to
what is to be found in [the other resolutions.]
as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to
what is to be found in [the other resolutions.]
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall
have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in
the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.
have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in
the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief,
joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any
circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.
joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any
circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of
any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects
of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and
to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects
of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and
to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny
whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent,
quiet, peace able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek,
modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even,
patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a
temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.
whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent,
quiet, peace able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek,
modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even,
patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a
temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness
and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my
soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that
when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my
soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that
when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can
help it.
help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge
would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.
would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect,
as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. [This resolution, which arises out of Edwards’ Calvinistic thinking that regeneration preceeds faith and that an unsaved person can seek God his whole life, seek to repent and believe every day, and never be given the gift of regeneration in God’s arbitrary sovereign decision, is highly problematic and unbiblical. Let’s rejoice in the other convicting and edifying resolutions, and put this one down to the fact that the godly Edwards was still a sinner, as we are.]
as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. [This resolution, which arises out of Edwards’ Calvinistic thinking that regeneration preceeds faith and that an unsaved person can seek God his whole life, seek to repent and believe every day, and never be given the gift of regeneration in God’s arbitrary sovereign decision, is highly problematic and unbiblical. Let’s rejoice in the other convicting and edifying resolutions, and put this one down to the fact that the godly Edwards was still a sinner, as we are.]
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how
they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I
will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to
old age.
they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I
will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to
old age.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I
am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the
Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to
him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide
in my Redeemer.
am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the
Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to
him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide
in my Redeemer.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation
of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor
to imitate it.
of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor
to imitate it.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I
can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell
torments.
can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell
torments.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least
to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and
adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and
let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned
about nothing but my duty and my sin.
adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and
let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned
about nothing but my duty and my sin.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of
dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love,
cheerfulness and benignity.
dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love,
cheerfulness and benignity.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of
provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act
good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think
that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be
imprudent at other times.
provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act
good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think
that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be
imprudent at other times.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear
in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within,
or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest
examination.
in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within,
or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest
examination.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that
listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and
fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness
inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc,
listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and
fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness
inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc,
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and
then according to Eph.
6:6-8,
do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that
whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”
then according to Eph.
6:6-8,
do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that
whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be
but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete
Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining
in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and
under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I
strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete
Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining
in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and
under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I
strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which
cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26),
of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it
hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20,
that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be
weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of
such earnestness.
cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26),
of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it
hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20,
that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be
weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of
such earnestness.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this
all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare
my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations,
difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every
circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119.
all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare
my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations,
difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every
circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a
benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all
companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all
companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I
am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got
by them.
am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got
by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that
which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns
religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.
which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns
religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish
I had done when I see others do it.
I had done when I see others do it.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all
that I speak.
that I speak.
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