Major Works
Resolutions (1722-1723)
Introduction
For Edwards, resolutions were neither pious hopes, romantic dreams, nor legalistic rules. They were instructions for life, maxims to be followed in all respects. Edwards depended on the sustaining strength of his omnipotent Deity to enable him to live up to them.
The Resolutions were Edwards’ guidelines for self-examination. Puritans set great store by biblical injunctions to submit themselves to divine searching and to monitor their motives and actions. On a community level, congregations were exhorted to practice introspection as a duty of great consequence.
Edwards lays out the Resolutions in a matter-of-fact style, treating them much like scientific principles. Of the seventy resolutions, the first one dated, No. 35, was written on December 18, 1722, when the Diary begins. The last, No. 70, was composed on August 17, 1723. Thus, at least half were devised during Edwards’ New York pastorate and subsequent stay in East Windsor, before receiving his Master’s degree in September 1723. The date and place of composition of the early, undated resolutions are unknown.
Drawing up resolutions was a standard practice for educated people in the eighteenth century. Scholars have long compared Edwards’ and Benjamin Franklin’s resolutions. In addition to arguing about Edwards’ and Franklin’s respective skills and significance as autobiographers, scholars have discussed the two men as philosophers, scientists, and religious commentators. They have seen in these representative figures two sides of the Enlightenment, as well as the different patterns of the American character.
Franklin’s resolutions in his Autobiography stand in interesting comparison with Edwards'. Both men agreed on the value of making resolutions, evaluating their effectiveness, and following them lifelong. And the resolutions show that the two were united on the importance of speaking the truth, living in moderation, helping others, and doing one’s duty. Each counseled himself (and others) to avoid sloth, make good use of time, cultivate an even temper, and pray for divine assistance; and each offers an energetic, thoughtful approach to life.
Beyond these similarities, however, the two differ greatly, and the resolutions reflect this. Franklin was satisfied with only thirteen resolutions, while the earnest Edwards drew out his list to seventy. They also differed in spirit and purpose. Franklin represents the Age of Reason. His emphasis is on this world and the preparation of a good citizen. His Resolutions were brief, epigrammatic, and eclectic. Jesus and Socrates equally merited imitation. Prayers were an afterthought in Franklin's daily practice. In contrast, Edwards remained the exemplar of Puritanism, depicting himself, along with all humans, as weak and sinful, helpless without divine intervention. Because the ultimate intention of the Resolutions was to produce a soul fit for eternity with God, they served as a set of practical day-to-day guidelines for achieving that end. Edwards adjured himself to study the Scriptures above all other books and to pray steadfastly; Jesus was to be trusted as Lord; God was present, personal, and primary.
Introduction to the Resolutions excerpted from George Claghorn's Introduction to JE's Personal Writings in Volume 16 of the Works of Jonathan Edwards.
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