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APPENDIX #2
THE RESOLUTIONS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS
ERNIE´S PARAPHRASE and ERNIE´S ADDITIONS IN BOLD and ITALICS
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.
I am aware that I can do nothing without God´s help. So I humble myself and ask God by His
grace to empower me to keep these resolutions, unless I discover that they don´t agree with
God´s will. I want to do this so that Jesus is glorified in my life.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
I determine to review at least 10 resolutions once a week, and choose one of the ten to
assimilate into my life for the following 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 myriads 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 soever, and how great soever.
I determine to pursue God´s glory, and do all in my power so that God is glorified in my life. I
realize that it will be to my ultimate benefit and well-being to place HIS kingdom and HIS glory
first and foremost in my life. I want to be passionate about the pursuit of the glory of God, all
my life, 24/7/4.4/12, now and forever. Resolved to pursue God´s will and the wellbeing of
others. No matter if there be obstacles, many and serious, I will not be side-tracked.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to
promote the aforementioned things.
I determine to be creative and innovative in strategizing to fulfill the first resolution.
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.
I determine to not allow sloth, laziness and discouragement to detract me from the pursuit of
these resolutions, and when I realize I´ve grown lazy, to repent and renew my commitment to
these vows, and to a renewed dependence upon the Holy Spirit to enable me.
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.
I determine to do nothing more, nothing less and nothing else except pursue God´s glory. I will
also stay away from those things that do not honor God as much as I possibly can, and whenever
possible, I will try to put a stop to activities that bring God dishonor (PLAIN ENGLISH).
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I
possibly can.
I determine not to squander my time, not even for half an hour. While I need to rest, relax and
not be stressed out, I also need to be more diligent in the pursuit of God´s will. Lord, help me
to find the right balance.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
I determine, while I am alive, to be FULLY ALIVE. To live fully, in the power of the Spirit, and
not acquiesce into half-hearted mediocrity.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my
life.
I determine to live in the light of eternity. To think about the rapture and the judgment seat of
Christ, and that I will have to give an account of my life to God. How could I live if I knew it
were my last hour. Let that be my criteria for what I do, and how I do it.
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. July 30.
I determine to reflect on my own spiritual deficiencies when I see deficiencies in others, and to
remember that I am depraved apart from the grace of God. I have often sinned as others have.
When others fail, I will reflect on my own unworthiness. May their failings prompt me to keep
short accounts with God, and reflect on my own spiritual condition and deficiencies.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances
which attend death.
I determine to remember that I am mortal, and will die. OUT OUT, BRIEF CANDLE. Help me to
remember my mortality, and the implications of that.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
I determine when I experience pain, to think about the price of following Jesus, and the pain of
an eternity separated from him, so that I be motivated to rescue lost men and women in
evangelism.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can
towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.
Resolved to immediately solve or understand any theological difficulty that comes to mind,
unless circumstances don’t allow it.
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.
Determined to immediately cast aside any selfish indulgence that produces pride, vanity or
anything that resembles that.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
To always be aware of ways to love and serve.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
Never get angry with irrational people or animals.
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.
17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
I will live in a way, that when I die, I have no regrets. No saying “I wished I WOULD HAVE LIVED
DIFFERNTLY”.
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.
I resolve to live consistently in such a way that reflects my better moments, my clearest
concepts of the gospel and heaven
To live co
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.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, 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.
If I see something in another that makes me think less of him or despise him, I determine not to
do that in my life.
(Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one sitting in New Haven in 1722)
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.
I resolve to receive as much of God’s blessing in heaven as I possibly can, living in this eaeth
with all of God’s power might, vigor, vehemence, yes violence and passion, I am capable, that I
can bring myself to exert.
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.
Resolved to be radical and creative, and with deliberate actiosn, in my persuit of God’s glory;
but test my motivation and purpose, if it’s for God’s glory, to repudiate and reject it.
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.
Whenever the Holy Spirit convicts me of some sin, I will trace it back to it’s genesis, then I will
diligently try to sin no more, and fight and pray with all my might (strengthened by the Holy
Spirit) against the originating source. AD FONTS, TO THE SOURCE, THE HEART OF THE
MATTER, IS THE MATTER OF THE HEART.
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.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance (of being a child of God)
I resolve to deal with anything that disrupts my communion and confidence in God.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and
frequently to examine my omissions.
Never omit doing the will of God, only omit something if that brings glory to God. (think of
sermon preparation, only omit that which would result in God’s greater glory)
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.
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.
When I pray, I want to pray with faith, and in agreement with what God wants; When I confess
my sin, I need to believe God hears and forgives my sins. Superficial prayer,
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.
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.
Resolved no to be critical or murmur unless I can do so with a high degree of honor and love
and humility; not forgetting that I have many faults and failings myself. I will treat others they
way I hope they will treat me. When I reflect on how I deal with others, I want to remember
this resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that, in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man
who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust (trust means: keep the gospel, share the
gospel). I don’t want to just partially keep my trust, but completely and fully. Something to
explore. Why the passive voice?
33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace,
when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
Be a person of peace without compromising on truth. (Enrique)
34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
Be truthful and transparent in all I say and report on.
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. Dec. 18,
1722.
Resolved, when I am disturbed as I review how my day went, resolved to take those steps to
find peace.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19,
1722.
Resolved to never speak evil of anyone, unless it be my duty, unless I’m justified. See previous
resolution.
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. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
Resolved, every night to review where I was negligent in my duties – what sins I’ve committed –
or on the positive side if I denied myself – see romans 13:21 overcoming evil with good.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the
Lord's Day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
Resolved never to ridicule, gest, or joke on the Lord’s Day. (Lord, without being morose or
morbose, help me to honor you in a special day on your day with my acts and words) see story
of eric little.
39. Resolved, never to do anything of which 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 not;
unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
Resolved to keep my conscience clear both by what I don’t practice and what I do practice.
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. Jan. 7, 1723.
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. Jan. 11, 1723.
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 twelfth day of January, 1723.
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 Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
Resolved, until I die, never to act as if I were in any way my own, but entirely and altogether
God's. This is in agreement with the next 2 vows. (All for Jesus)
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. Jan.12, 1723.
Resolved to have nothing except Jesus and His Kingdom, influence me in any of my actions, i.e.
humanistic values, personal ambitions, worldy pleasures. Everything I do will come under this
rule (governing principle), Jesus and His Kingdom. Jesus all in all.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor
any degree of affection (not even at the beginning stages any rival affections), nor any
circumstance relating to it (not to put myself in circumstances that will feed those affections),
but what helps religion (but what moves towards or serves Jesus And His Kingdom) . Jan. 12 and
13, 1723.
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 eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
Resolved never to allow the least degree of anger, or being peeved at my dad or mom. I wont
let my talk or my eyes be influenced by these negative feelings. I will be vigilant to promote
harmony in the home. At least as it depends on me.
47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good,
and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate
and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable
and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper(disposition); and to do at all times,
what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week,
whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
Resolve to deny to my utmost to deny what goes against a… good, and universally sweet and
benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and
meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient,
moderate, forgiving and sincere disposition; to live consistently the way that disposition
dictates; to carefully review at the end of each week how I did. Did I pass the test? To live in
the Spirit is the only way.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness(finura, meticulosidad, finness) 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 not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence
respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can 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. July 5, 1723.
I’m gonna live in the light of eternity. Name for a song
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. July 8, 1723.
Resolved, that in everything I do, I will act como pienso que debería haber hecho. Remembering
that I can do nothing in my own strength, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me.
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. July 8, 1723.
For example: living with no regrets regarding my family, reflecting am I giving my family the
proper emphasis and care, am I sacrificing my family on the altar of ministerial “success”.
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. July 8, 1723.
Take advantage of every occasion when Im thinking clearly and deeply moved, to give myself
wholeheartedly, to fully surrender without reservation to the Lord Jesus. To trust and confide in
Him and consecrate myself wholly to Him. So that when Im asked to give an account of my life I
will not shrink in shame (safety). (He who loses his life for my sake will find it)
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. July 8, 1723.
If I hear someone praise a virtue in another, and if that virtue in me would honor God, I would
endeavor to imitate it. Follow good examples. Has to be a Spirit empowered imitation.
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. July 8, 1723.
To endeavor to my utmost to live in the light of eternity, eternal life and eternal death. My
utmost for His highest.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions,
however unsuccessful I may be.
Never give up the fight against my flesh eve though I do fail at times. How did he fight? Did he
use the flesh to fight the flesh? Or did he discover the secret?
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my
duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can,
be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
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. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
Overcome evil with good (romans 12:21)
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. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
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. July 4, and 13, 1723.
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. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
I will not yield to laziness which I find distracts and numbs my resolve to be fully fixedly
(completely) set on following God; no matter what excuse I find, my laziness invents many
excuses and rationalizations, but I will not yield to them.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, to 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." June 25 and July 13, 1723.
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. Jan.14 and July 13, 1723.
Supposing that at any given time in history there was only one individual who could be properly
designated as a complete christian, having God’s stamp of approval, having Christianity always
shining in it’s true brilliance, appearing excellent and lovely, no matter what angle you look at it
or who does the looking or how thoroughly they look: Resolved, to live out my faith and strive
with vehemence and violence to be that exemplary Christian during my lifetime.
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. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
When
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest
openness, of which 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 everything, and every
circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
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.
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.
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. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
To face the music when it comes to infirmity and sin in my life,
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11,
1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.
