What are the seventy resolutions of Jonathan Edwards?

Jonathan Edwards, an 18th-century American pastor and theologian, wrote a series of seventy resolutions as part of his personal preparation for ministry. Completed between the ages of nineteen and twenty, these resolutions reveal a carefully thought-out design for his life and growth in faith. Jonathan Edwards meant for them to be primarily private, spiritual disciplines to help guide his heart and conduct on the path toward becoming the Christian man he aspired to be.

The seventy resolutions of Jonathan Edwards reveal his unreserved devotion to God, remarkable clarity of thought, and practical approach to life and faith. He begins his list by humbly admitting that he needs God’s help and praying for God’s grace to keep his resolutions: “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” (Edwards, J., The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 1, Banner of Truth Trust, 1974, p. lxii).

Edwards follows this opening prayer with a pledge to read the resolutions once a week, so that they might become a habitual, lifelong pursuit. Then, presenting a clear-cut understanding of what is truly important in life and ministry, Edwards sets down his first resolution:

Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, 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, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever (ibid., p. lxii).

The resolutions include both general guidelines and specific commitments. For example, in one, Edwards resolves “never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can” (ibid., p. lxii). In another, he purposes to “maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking” (ibid., p. lxiii), and in another, “never to do anything out of revenge” (ibid., p. lxiii).

In several resolutions, Edwards expresses a genuine concern for living in harmony with others. For example, he vows “never to speak evil of anyone” (Ibid., p. lxiii) and “not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity” (ibid., p. lxiv).

A current of deep spiritual discipline and devotion courses through the collection as Edwards resolves “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” (ibid., p. lxiii) and “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” (ibid., p. lxiii).

The seventy resolutions of Jonathan Edwards are so comprehensive that they “would make most of our present-day disciplines look like spiritual kindergarten,” observes author Jeff Bridges (Holiness Day by Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey, ed. Womack, T., NavPress, 2008, p. 95). Prioritizing consistency of character and practice, Edwards’ highest objectives focus on pleasing God and bringing Him glory. His disciplines reflect a profound and thorough understanding of the human heart, recognizing its flaws, perceiving its pitfalls, and passionately desiring for all its inclinations to be directed toward God.

In the centuries since Jonathan Edwards penned his seventy resolutions, countless believers have been inspired, challenged, and prompted by them to pursue a disciplined, God-glorifying life “worthy of the calling” they have received from the Lord (Ephesians 4:1–3; see also 1 Corinthians 10:31–33; Colossians 1:10; 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 4:11).