Jonathan Edwards Resolution 60
Edwards’ Resolution #60 (as it was written) Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723. Edwards’ Resolution #60 (in my modernized language) When feeling out of sorts, or aware of uneasiness in my heart, I’ll pray and examine to find out why that is.In studying resolution 60, I consulted Edwards’ journal on the dates noted in the resolution. I also took a look at some related entries around the same time. It was trying to get a more in-depth portrait of what was going on in Edwards’ mind. I find him strongly influenced by sermons he’d taken in. Also, I see him pondering how to address fear of dying, judgement of others, handling personal disputes, and the appropriateness of connecting with other believers in worship of God.
How Not to Fear Death
On July 4, Edwards's penned some thoughts on death in his journal. He points out that the person who is fully trusting in God and faithful in their walk should not fear the prospect of death. He says,"when thinking of death, I thought if I was then to die, that which would make me die in the least degree fearfully, would be the want of a trusting and relying on Jesus Christ, so distinctly and plainly, as has been described by divines…"When our time comes, that we are called home, it should not be accompanied with fear. This is true, so long as we have been faithful in our walk with the Lord to that point.
If we don’t ask why, we never gain answers to life’s most vital questions. Edwards resolved to ask why, and (among other things) learned to face death without fear.
When Handling Disputes
Near the end of his July 4 journal entry, Edwards also addresses how we should behave when in disputes with others. He notes:"for the future to observe rather more of meekness, moderation, and temper in disputes."When I read this, I gain a semblance of humility. An attitude that seeks to understand from the position of an advocate and friend rather than that of a superior. When he says "temper" in this case, I have to believe he means that of "tempered" or "conditioned." As such, we must interact with a heart of wisdom, for the only other tempering is of hubris, ignorance and selfishness. In his July 13th entry, Edwards elaborates on his thoughts about judging the hearts of people. He also puts the aforementioned thoughts on tempering into this 60th resolution. He adds in:
"In times past, I have been too free in judging of the hearts of men from their actions."I suspect we all fall into this camp. I know I do.
Worshiping Alone and with Other Believers
Some Sundays, I enter into the church building all the while not wanting any part of being social - or even friendly. It's part of my introversion, I guess. This is particularly the case when I am ailing or have had a brutally tough week. My mind is overwhelmed and trying to wind down. Subconsciously, I probably am not wanting to exhaust my limited capacity by "performing" for those around me. I think Edwards found himself in a similar place (I find that many pastors and those of academic minds fall into this type of pattern). Finally, in his July 24 journal entry, he shares perspective on worshiping, which is quite counter to this type of attitude."I begin to find the success of my striving, in joining with others, in the worship of God; insomuch that there is a prospect of making it easy and delightful, and very profitable, in time."Also around this time, Edwards grows determined to be genuine and fully open in his connection with God. Much of this is no doubt the result of Manton's sermon on Psalm 119 (will see that in the study of the next resolution).
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