Jonathan Edwards – Resolved to Serve with Humility
Posted by Orrin Woodward on December 4, 2011
Here is the section from my new book on Jonathan Edwards. Here is another great American who utilized the power of resolutions in his life. Have you implemented RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE into your life? Let’s start a resolution revolution together. Sincerely, Orrin Woodward
Jonathan Edwards was a preacher, theologian, a missionary to Native Americans, and shortly before his death, accepted the Presidency of the College of New Jersey (Princeton University). Edwards “is widely acknowledged to be America’s most important and original philosophical theologian.” Furthermore, Author George Marsden, writes, “Edwards was extraordinary. By many estimates, he was the most acute early American philosopher and the most brilliant of all American theologians. At least three of his many works – Religious Affections, Freedom of the Will, and The Nature of True Virtue – stand as masterpieces in the larger history of Christian literature.”
But Edwards began his ministry with little advanced billing. His first pastoral position in 1722, at 19 years of age, was far away from his Connecticut hometown, in New York City, then a thriving metropolis of 10,000 people. Dr. Stephen Nichols, author of The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, writes of the young pastor, “Amidst all of this uncertainty and flux, this young man, Jonathan Edwards, needed both a place to stand and a compass for some direction. So he took to writing. He kept a diary and he penned some guidelines, which he came to call his ‘Resolutions.’ These resolutions would supply both that place for him to stand and a compass to guide him as he made his way.” A.C. McGiffert described Edward’s method of resolutions, “Deliberately he set about to temper his character into steel.” Tempering is a process to “toughen” the metals, just as written resolutions “toughen” the internal person through study and course corrections. The tempering process takes time, but the internal fortitude and self-mastery gained living one’s convictions, not one’s preferences, is worth any price.
Jonathan Edwards dutifully wrote out 70 Resolutions (see appendix) between 1722 and 1723. Edwards committed to read the 70 Resolutions once per week for the rest of his life, and fulfilled that commitment, reading the resolutions more than 1,800 times over the next 35 years. Here are two of his resolutions.
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 and how great soever.
2. 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.
Edwards would have many occasions to apply his resolutions. After his pastoral service in New York, on February 15, 1727, Edwards joined his father-in-law, Solomon Stoddard’s congregation in Northampton, Massachusetts. In 1729, Stoddard died, leaving Edwards the sole minister in charge of one of the largest, wealthiest and proudest congregations in the colony. Stoddard, in his later years, had introduced several doctrinal changes not founded upon scriptures. Edwards, being new, continued the innovations when he assumed pastoral leadership. But, in 1749, after years of successful ministry and intensive biblical study, Edward’s conscience balked at the doctrinal errors, precipitating an angry response from church members. The controversy concluded with Edward’s dismissal by the margin of one vote. Many would have railed against the injustice, but Edwards, dignified as always, preached his farewell sermon with the truth, love and grace, exiting Northampton without rancor or bitterness.
Edwards was, as Randall Stewart wrote, “Not only the greatest of all American theologians and philosophers but the greatest of our pre-19th century writers as well,” making his gracious humble spirit even more impressive. He didn’t fight for his rights; instead he merely accepted the ruling as God’s Will, taking a position as missionary to the frontier Indians. Edwards consistently displayed a grace-filled spirit of forgiveness to his many detractors, some who, years later apologized for their involvement in the misinformation spread. Can one imagine the infamy of being associated with the congregation that dismissed one of the best theologians and philosophers in American history? But Edwards, in his final years, never missed a beat, writing several classics of Christian literature, leaving an enduring testament to the power of character-based resolutions to transform a person from the inside out. Edwards faithfully lived his principles externally because that is who he had become internally. Specifically, he didn’t just give lip service to his resolutions, he truly lived them.
7 Responses to “Jonathan Edwards – Resolved to Serve with Humility”
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Jeanette said
Jonathan Edwards was/is an amazing human example of the potential of a man/woman. Just as faith w/o works is dead, so too is lip service to outright living. One thing I’m thankful for since joining TEAM LIFE is the introduction of Resolution making. It has spawned me to deeply consider what I say I stand for into beginning the process of writing it down and making a focused, intentional effort to physically apply them to my life. (Though I have a long way to go, just this morning I wrote one down on my bathroom mirror 😀 ) I liken these teachings to the Titus II man or woman, in that it gives tangible guidelines on HOW to apply Truth to ones life. Thank you, all the PC and their families for all you do and the courageous, unyeilding example to which you stand for. God Bless!
Carpe Diem!
Kevin Hamm said
Orrin,
Jonathon Edwards is becoming a significant model in my life. I love many of his resolutions and am amazed that at 19 and 20 he could think and write such things. I have made note that if I live to 101 years of age, I have left the number of years Jonathon Edwards lived. Perhaps an organization called LIFE will enable me to gain my freedom to become a scholar for the second half of my life. I am counting on it. The plans for my new office with many book selves (and a library ladder on a ball bearing rail, as my daughter insists) are clearly made in my mind. Thank you for the opportunity.
Kevin Hamm
Matt Foote said
While I grew up hearing about Jonathan Edwards, I never really dug into him myself. Resolved has been a great introduction to another of the great men who helped form our nation. Thanks Orrin for providing the introduction. I’m looking forward to learning more about this man and the influence his life continues to have.
davidbjork said
Very inspirational are the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and others covered in your book, RESOLVED. These stories me think about my life, and what resolutions I need to make and live, as you mentioned in the final sentence of this post. Thanks for leading the charge in encouraging self improvement!
David
Jeff and Tammy Helm said
Tremendous example! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it is greatly appreciated, I resolve to be a part of the change that needs to occur in today’s darkened world. Thank you for being courageous and taking a stand Orrin.
JH
Rob Crichlow said
Orrin Woodward and the leaders he mentors remind me of the example given of Jonathan Edwards. By his own actions Orrin has lived up to handling bitter and unfair circumstances with true character and integrity. It is my desire to continue to grow and ‘resolve’ to live by his and example. Thanks Orrin.
William Cody Bateman said
I have copied and pasted Edwards first two resolutions on my Facebook profile! Also, attended a meeting tonight and well, came away quite impressed! Will be joining your team on Saturday afternoon. I am very interested in contributing to one of the “F’s” on your wheel… soon. Kudos on the article!