Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a preacher, theologian, and a missionary to the American Indians. The Encyclopedia Britannica called him the greatest philosopher and theologian ever produced in America. His work is often associated with the defense of Reformed theology and the Puritan heritage, though he was not a Puritan in the strict sense of the word. Here are a few selected quotations:
Don’t talk of things of religion and matters of experience with an air of lightness and laughter, which is too much the manner in many places. In all your course, walk with God and follow Christ as a little, poor, helpless child, taking hold of Christ’s hand, keeping your eye on the mark of the wounds on his hands and side, whence came the blood that cleanses you from sin and hides your nakedness under the skirt of the white shining robe of his righteousness.
Unless you frequently think of it [hell], you will never take any considerable care or pains to escape it
Sinner, thou art this moment standing over the mouth of hell, upon a single plank, and that plank is rotten; thou art hanging over the jaws of perdition, by a solitary rope, and the strands of that rope are creaking now.
This one is often attributed to Edwards, but I can’t find a reliable source reference. Nonetheless, it is an excellent resolution.
Resolution One: I will live for God.
Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.
