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The Resoultions of Jonathan Edwards in Plain English (#11-20)


Here is a link to the first ten resolutions
The part in blue is my best shot at a plain English paraphrase of these resolutions. Enjoy!
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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.
If I ever have a thought on a perplexing theological issue, I vow to always do whatever I can, as far as circumstances permit, to attempt to solve that issue.
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.
I vow, that if I find myself taking prideful pleasure in the contemplating or solving of theological mysteries, that I will immediatly stop and think about something else.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
I vow to continuously remind myself to have a spirit of generosity, and to always be on the lookout for opportunities to help or give to those in need, such as the poor, widows, orphans, sick, or disabled.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
I vow to never take any action out of a desire for revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
I vow to never allow myself to get angry when dealing with people who are not behaving rationally.
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.
I vow to never say anything that will that will bring slander or dishonor to another person, with the rare exception that by doing this it will bring about the greater good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
I vow to live in such a way, that I will never have any regrets.
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 vow to live in a manner consistent with the way I know I should when I am thinking spiritual thoughts and contemplating eternal truths.
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.
I vow to live in such a way, that I will always consider each moment of my life as if it were my very last.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
I vow to watch my diet, being quite strict in choosing what I eat and drink.
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Comments

  1. Chris R. QuinlanJanuary 5, 2010 at 8:33 AM

    This is the Google Translation of the above comment. I think there's truth in there.

    "Lazy to make everything difficult, hard to make everything easy."

    ReplyDelete

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