The New Years Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)

Jonathan Edwards | 1722-1723 | Jonathan Edwards

[M. Thatcher]

His sermons still move.

From my Jonathan Edwards files:

The achievements of his descendants are such that the Edwards family used to be cited in psychology textbooks -- and in Ripley's Believe It Or Not column -- as proof that genius is an inherited trait.

try reading his sermon "On the Excellencies of Christ." To obtain a copy, send the message GET LION LAMB to the address LISTSERV@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU and back will come a 1454-line file containing the sermon. Alternatively consult the Web at http://www.ihi.aber.ac.uk/~spk/christia.html

[Matchett-PI]

"Christians used to use the Word of God to direct their own lives. Most seem intent on using it to direct others now."

Emotionally/spiritually immature Christians will always be with us. They are usually either very legalistic, religious zealots (like the Jewish Christians in Galatia) or go to the other extreme of embracing cheap grace.

Today's feminized, professing Christian churches are filled with those shallow, superficial mentalities.

[Matchett-PI]

Thank you so much! I will definately obtain that sermon. It pleases me no end to see that others appreciate Jonathan Edwards as much as I do.

The Puritan influence is interwoven into the founding of this country and its great institutions. The whole foundation of this country is based upon the Christian Worldview / the Judeo-Christian ethic.

It is painful to see how the ignoble/ignominious Left has been able to get away with undermining and denigrating the foundation that was wrought by the noble minds of the Framers who suffered so much to bring it to us.

I hope that Bill Bennett and others, are wildly successful in their efforts to see to it that America's children are once again taught the true history of the founding of this country, and why upholding and defending our Constitution is so crucial if we are to protect the God-given rights and liberties of future generations, not only here, but around the world.

Thanks, again!

[Matchett-PI]

"I wonder how many of them he was able to keep?"

I don't know, I only know what his strong motivations were. See the first sentence in reply #3.

[sheltonmac]

Thanks for the post! If only we could live up to those resolutions day in and day out.

[bimmer]

Thanks for posting this ... very edifying! It's shocking to realize that the Rev. Edwards' stomping grounds were Northampton, Mass. Noho is now a mecca for the Heather has two mommies crowd. Sigh.

[sola gracia]

Interesting that Teddy Roosevelt had a bear named "Jonathan Edwards."

[sola gracia]

Thanks for the post and bump. Edwards was one of America's greatest theologians.

[Tares]

Bump

[Young Rhino]

Edwards was one of America's greatest theologians.

Probably beats being one of America's greatest lawyers or used car salesmen...but not by much.

[CCWoody]

Do you notice how his motivation was always to try do what he thought would "glorify God" (right or wrong)?

Actually, in my simple state I could simply state my resolution as follows:

1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

In answer to the question: right!

[rwfromkansas]

interesting....

[RnMomof7]

Thanks PI.

I can not keep one resolution. this man of God kept all of his I believe.

I couldn't help but note that he didn't resolve one thing that was not God directed...no attempt to be better through his own effort or works.Reminds me of the OT where we are told to keep the word of God on our forhead,on our lips and on our hands....live a fully God directed life...

[RnMomof7]

A New Year Ping for PI and Argee.

May God Bless and Keep each of you this New Year!

Hebrews 13

1

Let brotherly love continue.

2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

4

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

10

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

11

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

18

Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

19

But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

23

Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

24

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Great set of Resolutions!!

May God bless the reading of His Word....

[Matchett-PI]

Bump. Please flag any others you know who might be interested in this thread, too. Thanks.

[week 71]

Thanks for the heads up! What a great post. Indeed to many Christians approach God as some kind of celestial santa claus. We need to be reminded of that great orator Jonathan Edwards often. He spoke the truth.

[BenR2]

Wow. A humbling set of resolutions.

He was a great man.

P.S. Would someone please forward this list to William Jefferson Clinton?

[good1]

I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.

Edward's list brings to my mind this from Job, "Things too wonderful for me . . . " (Job 42:3). All of the Puritans' writings are the source of much motivation to me.

I am struck by the emphasis of duty in the list of resolutions. I counted 6 references to duty, 0 references to rights.

[Theo]

Matchett-PI -- I love this kind of rich stuff. I'd love if you could include me in your ping list. Thanks, my friend!