The RESOLUTIONS of Jonathan Edwards (selected)

"I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." Psalm 17:3

"Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." Daniel 1:8

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2

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.

Resolved, never to do anything, whether in soul or body — but what tends to the glory of God.

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time — but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

Resolved, never to do anything, which I would be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of Hell.

Resolved, if I take delight in any gratification of pride or vanity — immediately to throw it aside.

Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor — upon no account except for some real good.

Resolved, that I will so live as I shall wish I had done, when I come to die.

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 the eternal world.

Resolved, never to do anything which I would be afraid to do, if I expected to hear the last trumpet in the next hour.

Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

Resolved, never to do anything, which if I would see in another — I would count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the less of him.

Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the eternal world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence I am capable of.

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.

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.

Resolved, never to say anything 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.

Resolved, never to speak anything but the pure and simple truth.

Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sins I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself — also at the end of every week, month and year.

Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.

Resolved, never henceforward, until I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's.

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.

Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to do whatever is most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper.

Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the eternal world.

I frequently hear people in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again. Resolved, that I will live just as I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.

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.

Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I would do, if I had already seen the happiness of Heaven, and torments of Hell.

Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation — but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and kindness.

Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man, "knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord."

Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, namely, to lay open my soul to God — all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every circumstance.

Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have gotten by them, and what I might have gotten by them.

"Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees!" Psalm 119:5

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10