Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards - Resolved 9-20

Jonathan Edwards was one of America's greatest theologians. Over his lifetime he came up with thousands of resolutions that he sought to follow. He later narrowed them down to 70. He purposed to read them over at least once a week and try to live them out practically. They are lofty and eloquent, since they were written in the 1700's the language is a little cumbersome. Nevertheless, they are quite inspirational. Thought I would post a few a day over the next several weeks for my own personal benefit and anyone who wants to chew on them a bit.

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

10-Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

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.

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.

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

14-Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15-Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

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.

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.

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.

I continually find these challenging and sobering. How about you?