JOHNATHAN EDWARDS [ 1703--1758]

Clearly one of the most influential preachers in the early part of our country's development. Formally educated at Yale, starting his freshman year just under the age of 13. His father a minister before him, he was the only son of 11 children. He graduated in 4 years as valedictorian and head of his class. His interest in theology and science were the basis of most of his writings. Scientific discoveries did not threaten his faith, on the contrary, he saw the laws of human nature as being derived from God.

Jonathan Edwards made a list called the 7 resolves. They were his guiding principles. Now that I have read them, I want them to be mine also.

1] "Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God..."

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

3] "Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor..."

4] "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."

5] "Resloved, 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."

6] "Resolved to strive my utmost every week to be brought...to a higher exercise of grace..."

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