I am for the most part a single-issue voter. I have said this in the past, not that I don't care other issues, I deeply do. But, saving the lives of unborn babies is the most pressing issue in our day. You can say whatever you want about Pres. Bush. I have not applauded his every decision, his fiscal and monetary policy especially and his theology makes me cringe. But, the man has done whatever he could to protect life and deserves a great thank you.
The following is a thank you letter from the National Right to Life.
Thank You, President Bush. The Pro-life Movement salutes you for eight years of outstanding pro-life service as President. Thank you on behalf of all the unborn children you have saved by your pro-life leadership, policies, and legislation. These children are a living tribute to your presidency. Thank you, too, for appointing two new Justices to the Supreme Court who have already cast key votes to uphold the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. They are likely to be an important pro-life legacy of your presidency well into the future.Your strategy of prohibiting government funding for stem cell research which requires the killing of human embryos and funding instead of the more promising ethical alternative of stem cell research which does not require the killing of human embryos has already begun to prove itself. Major research breakthroughs in adult stem cell research which requires no killing have been made during your Administration. This is another major pro-life achievement of the Bush presidency and is proving to be the most promising way of really finding cures. Thank you for your respect for the sanctity of life.We salute you for all of your efforts in defense of life during your presidency and for your steadfast strength and courage persevering even in the face of severe harassment from hostile anti-life opponents and media. You are an example to all of us of how to stand strong and speak the truth about abortion in spite of being attacked.Thank you for having the wisdom to ensure that your pro-life policies were effectively carried out by placing dedicated pro-life people of great talent in key positions in your administration. We recognize the importance of their service, too. Thank you for personally using the "bully pulpit" of the presidency to speak out for life. Your message to America was loud and clear. "Unborn children should be welcomed in life and protected in law." You will be remembered for those words and the dedication and determination behind them. Your pro-life words at the public signing of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, as well as your public speeches at major White House events you hosted on key life issues, all helped Americans focus more clearly on the life and death struggles to protect unborn children. Your defense of life was strong and courageous, but it was also compassionate. You were an example to everyone of how to fight abortion forcefully without condemning the people who advocate it or the women who have made the tragic error of having one. Polling data has shown that during your presidency the nation has become more pro-life, especially young people. This could have a very significant impact on our future.We know we will miss you terribly in the days and years to come, but we are very grateful for the accomplishments of your presidency. It has been an honor for all of us to know you and work with you for this great cause.God Bless you and God Bless America.
Written by Darla St. Martin who is the Co-Executive Director of National Right to Life. She has worked with President Bush since 1988.
Do you agree with Martin Luther who said "Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in Him unless he knew where his believers are?" Or do you you like what Pope Boniface said "The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course. "
I love PETA (people eating tasty animals). They are great. They used to go to fishing tournaments and slap the water with bamboo poles to scare the fish away. Now, they are seeking to save fish by re-naming them sea-kittens. I can't really make this up. You must go and check out this website. You can adopt a sea-kitty, read bedtime stories to sea-kitty. It is great. It makes me want to thaw out some frozen catfish filets for dinner tonight.
I also learned this great facts like these
Like their surface-dwelling cousins, the land kittens, sea kittens enjoy being petted. Their lack of arms makes it difficult for them to pet back, but they often gently rub against each other as a sign of affection.
OR
Sea kittens talk to each other through squeaks, squeals, and other low-frequency sounds that humans can only hear through special instruments. Most ichthyologists—scientists who specialize in sea kitten biology—agree that this is just about the cutest thing ever.
But, re-naming something is a strong tacit. Jerry Bridges recently came out with a new book which is titled, Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We tolerate. In one of his opening chapters, he states:
"We see that the entire concept of sin has virtually disappeared from our American culture at large and has been softened, even within many of our churches, to accommodate modern sensibilities. Indeed, strong biblical words for sin have been excised from our vocabulary.
The Bible says we are sinners. But take Joel Osteen When asked by Larry King if he uses the word “sinners,” he replied,
“I don’t use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don’t. But most people already know what [when] they’re doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change.”
He does not use the word sinner and what’s remarkable is the he has not even thought about it. Sinner is offensive so just don't say it. Look at the repacking of other words. Take the sin of adultery, it is called an affair, or sleeping together, running around, cheating. It is adultery, it is a sin, no matter how you dress it up. Or take fornication, it is now hooking up, a fling, or one night stand. Homosexuality is now alternative lifestyle.
All I am saying is fish are fish, sin is sin, and beware of you are anyone else starts repacking words, ideas, and concepts. Do you call the sin your life sin or do you rename and package it. I am sinner, because if I was not or did not see myself as such then
2 Cor 5:21 "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ" would not be true for me.
Cordless drills are great. You can use them anywhere and do almost any little job, faster and with less effort: two things I like. But, I have a problem with mine that I never charge the battery. I use it, leave it out until I need it again and it never seems to have enough power to get the job done. The battery is dead, I have two batteries, but two uncharged batteries are equally worthless. In have found that spiritually I am not a cordless drill even through sometimes I try to be one. Let me explain.
Each day I begin with a time of prayer (usually guided by the Psalms or The Valley Of Vision), followed by daily Bible reading and then another time of prayer over the people in our churches directory. It is a great start to my day. But, often from that moment I get going with my business. I find that the "charge" from morning time with God wains quickly, the more I do "my" work. So, some days I try to pray and have another little time with God to "charge"me up again. But, again it drains quickly. So, I am not a cordless drill.
I am finding that I must be continually connected to the source of my strength Jesus Christ. This continually connection comes from trying to foster a minute by minute recognition of my need of Him. Now, I fall short of doing this all the time. But, striving for a continuing connection to God is the essence of what Paul meant when he told us in 1 The 5:17 to "pray constantly" and Jesus in John 15:5 "apart from me you can do nothing."
This also the essence of the great hymn "I need thee every hour"
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby; Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One; O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.
So, plug in, stay connected, and do great things for God in all your endeavors today. Pastor Phillip
I am a little tired and my coffee had not yet hit my bloodstream. I like Chuck Norris, I liked him during the Mike Huckabee Presidential Campaign and in some of his movies and TV shows. Having watched Walker Texas Ranger is one of the requirements of holding a man card. But, I recently came across some of this stuff below. I think it is funny. But, if you want to use your time wisely, then you can skip it. By the way, I really want to substitute my name for Chuck’s and teach this to Cason as facts about his dad!
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.
When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
Chuck Norris’ hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.
Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
Chuck Norris does not get frostbite. Chuck Norris bites frost
Remember the Soviet Union? They decided to quit after watching a DeltaForce marathon on Satellite TV.1
Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.
Go to www.google.com Type in “find chuck norris” Click the “I’m feeling lucky” button. If is worth wasting some time doing.
Really, I am getting back to work now! Pastor Phillip
We continued to week two of our series Practical Atheist. Here are the notes if you missed them.
PRACTICAL ATHEIST: SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD, BUT LIVES AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST.
SERMON #2 I BELIEVE IN GOD BUT DON’T WANT TO GO OVERBOARD
WE MUST MOVE PAST CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY
The Lord said: Because these people approach Me with their mouths to honor Me with lip-service--yet their hearts are far from Me, and their worship consists of man-made rules learned by rote-- Isa 29:13
THE RIGHT REPONSE TO GOD IS TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING TO HIM
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.(45)"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.(46)When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it. Mat 13:44-46
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS MAKE JESUS WANT TO VOMIT AND RUIN A GOOD MANURE PILE
Every one of you who does not say good-bye to everything cannot be My disciple.(34)"Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? (35) It isn't fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!" Luk 14:33-35
A LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN MAY OR MAY NOT EVEN BE A CHRISTIAN
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.2Co 13:5
1) Crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.
2) Rarely share their faith in Christ.
3) Do whatever it takes to alleviate their guilt.
4) Think more about life on earth than eternity in heaven.
5) Gauge their morality by comparing to others.
6) Want to be saved from the penalty of sin without changing their lives.
7) Only turn to God when they are in a bind.
8) Give whenever it doesn’t hinder their standard of living.
9) Are not much different from the rest of the world.
10) Want the benefits of what Christ did without conforming to who He is.
11) Don’t know they are lukewarm
17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked… 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:17, 20
Questions For Later Reflection
1)Have you lost the joy of your salvation? Why or why not?
2)Review the 10 qualities of lukewarm Christians. What is the biggest one (if any) that applies to you?
3)What are you going to do about your answer to question 2?
4)Are you sure if you were to die your would spend eternity in heaven with God?
At Christianbook.com they have a sale on "The Bible Panorama." This is chapter by chapter guide to the whole Bible. I use it daily. It is concise, short and just enough to help you put all the parts of Scripture together. They have it on sale for 14 dollars which is a great price. I seriously recommend picking it you will not be sorry. Pastor Phillip
I day to day have to deal with trying not to get run over by huge ships. You don't how hard it is to a preacher some days. But, luckily I have found the book to help me out. It is called "How To Avoid Getting Hit By Huge Ships."The back cover says "If you have ever wondered what action to take to keep clear of a huge ships, this book will remove the doubt." The author is a Master Mariner and Deep Sea Towing Master, Licensed Panama Canal Pilot and Active Washington State Pilot.
So give it a read and see if you can become an expert at avoiding large objects in the water as well. Pastor Phillip
Do you remember you life before you were saved and then the change, (there should have been a change) afterward? This is a powerful part of your life, probably the most important day in your life.
How often do you share it? When was the last time you told someone about the day you were saved? Do you share more about fish you caught, football games, how knees hurt, and who is on your nerves? Try telling someone joyfully about your salvation experience. If you find you don’t have one, then you may need to do some praying to see if you have truly received Jesus or just practicing religion. I recently of a great man of God’s conversion experience.
Charles Spurgeon who was one of the greatest Baptist preachers of all time and he also shared his conversion story over 280 times in his preaching. He never got over the fact that God saved him. He said that prior to conversion he had a Christian upbringing (he was christened as an infant, and raised in the Congregational church), and he read the Bible and prayed daily, he did not know Jesus.
He describes his feeling prior as “I was years and years upon the brink of hell—I mean in my own feeling. I was unhappy, I was desponding, I was despairing. I dreamed of hell. My life was full of sorrow and wretchedness, believing that I was lost.”
But one day on a Sunday in January in1850 Spurgeon woke one with a deep sense of his need for deliverance. Because of a snowstorm, the 15-year-old’s path to church was diverted down a side street. For shelter, he ducked into the Primitive Methodist Chapel on Artillery Street. An unknown substitute lay preacher stepped into the pulpit and read his text—Isaiah 45:22—“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.”
Spurgeon’s Autobiography records his reaction:
“He had not much to say, thank God, for that compelled him to keep on repeating his text, and there was nothing needed—by me, at any rate except his text. Then, stopping, he pointed to where I was sitting under the gallery, and he said, ‘That young man there looks very miserable’ … and he shouted, as I think only a Primitive Methodist can, ‘Look! Look, young man! Look now!’ … Then I had this vision—not a vision to my eyes, but to my heart. I saw what a Savior Christ was.… Now I can never tell you how it was, but I no sooner saw whom I was to believe than I also understood what it was to believe, and I did believe in one moment.
“And as the snow fell on my road home from the little house of prayer I thought every snowflake talked with me and told of the pardon I had found, for I was white as the driven snow through the grace of God.”
Upon his return home, his appearance caused his mother to exclaim,
“Something wonderful has happened to you.”
For the next months young Spurgeon searched the Scriptures
“to know more fully the value of the jewel which God had given me.… I found that believers ought to be baptized.” And so he was baptized, by immersion and joined a Baptist church.
What is your conversion story? Do you have one? Why don’t you share it?
Paul asked the churches he served to pray for him often. One example is Eph 6:19 “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” So, by following the example of Paul I am going to ask for your prayer. Sometimes in pride I am reluctant to ask church members for prayer as I feel I ought to be the one praying for you all. So, in light Paul I found this letter on how to pray for your pastor and I am going to humbly, and maybe somewhat selfishly ask you to please pray for me and my family. Also be in prayer for Pastor Kyle as well and his upcoming marriage. (By the way this list come from a Presbyterian, it is a little more formal than we tend to be.)
So Pray that…
1. That Pastor Phillip would know and love the living God, would have a saving interest in Christ, being purchased by His blood, and thus would be bound to the Lord by the indissoluble bond of the Holy Spirit.
2. That Pastor Phillip would know, embrace and ever more deeply understand the Gospel and be shaped by it in life and ministry.
3. That Pastor Phillip would be useful servant of the Lord, that he would know and love God's word, God's people, and God's kingdom; that he would be used to build it up and so that it prevails even against Hell's gates.
4. That Pastor Phillip would study, practice and teach the Word of the Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
5. That Pastor Phillip would love to pray, because he loves to commune with his God, and that he would be a man of prayer, characteristically.
6. That Pastor Phillip would be ever dependent upon and filled with the Spirit; and that he would possess true Spiritual wisdom.
7. That Pastor Phillip would be holy unto the Lord. That his tongue and heart would be wholly God's.
8. That Pastor Phillip would be kept from pride, and especially spiritual pride. That the Lord himself would be gracious to slay pride in him, and that your pastor would endeavor to always be putting pride to death, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
9. That God would give Pastor Phillip guidance as to where to focus his efforts in ministry.
10. That He would protect Pastor Phillip from himself, from the enemy of his soul, and from all earthly enemies.
11. That no decision which Pastor Phillip ever makes or desire that Pastor Phillip ever pursues would restrict his ability to pour his whole soul into the Gospel ministry.
12.That many would be converted and many built up under Pastor Phillip's ministry, to God's glory alone.
13. That the Lord would bless Pastor Phillip's wife, Rebecca with holiness and happiness, Gospel assurance and Gospel rest.
14. That God would make Pastor Phillip a decent husband and father.
15. That Pastor Phillip would be a good friend to his wife, and love her self-sacrificially,
16. That Pastor Phillip would be a good daddy to his children. That they would love God, their parents and the church.
17. That Pastor Phillip would be a testimony in the home so that his wife might be able to respect him when he is in the pulpit, and so that Pastor Phillip will be able to feed her soul, along with the rest of the congregation.
Yall are amazing church and I and my family are forever grateful for all that you do for us. Pastor Phillip
How would explain to someone that there is more to life than this? This is the working assumption of many people so share some ideas on how to convince someone otherwise? Pastor Phillip
I am working on Sunday Morning's sermon and we will be continuing in our practical atheist series. Remember we said a PRACTICAL ATHEIST WAS SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD, BUT LIVES AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST. This week we will be looking at "I believe in God, but I just don't want to take things too far!" I will be looking at 10 traits of a lukewarm Christian AKA a practical atheist. These 1o traits come from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. Read over these and think about them, if the shoe fits wear it, then repent and seek the grace from God to change.
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS
1) Crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God. 2) Rarely share their faith in Christ. 3) Do whatever it takes to alleviate their guilt. 4) Think more about life on earth than eternity in heaven. 5) Gauge their morality by comparing to others. 6) Want to be saved from the penalty of sin without changing their lives. 7) Only turn to God when they are in a bind. 8) Give whenever it doesn’t hinder their standard of living. 9) Are not much different from the rest of the world. 10) Want the benefits of what Christ did without conforming to who He is.
Why not go ahead and read the Church at Laocidea as well.
Revelation 3:14-22 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Letter to Laodicea
14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:"The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: 15I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committedand repent. 20Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.22"Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."
This is an amazing little prayer. As you pray it think through the words with openness and honesty before God. Expect life change from God this year and put your self in the positions that allow for God's grace to reach you and remove the dross from your life and increase you love and devotion to God. It comes from the great book of Puritan prayers called "The Valley Of Vision."
O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to thee. I have no merit, let the merit of Jesus stand for me. I am undeserving, but I look to Thy tender mercy. I am full of infirmities, wants, sin; Thou art full of grace.
I confess my sin, my frequent sin, my wilful sin; all my powers of body and soul are defiled: a fountain of pollution is deep within my nature. There are chambers of foul images within my being; I have gone from one odious room to another, walked in a no-man's-land of dangerous imaginations, pried into the secrets of my fallen nature.
I am utterly ashamed that I am what I am in myself; I have no green shoot in me nor fruit, but thorns and thistles; I am a fading leaf that the wind drives away; I live bare and barren as a winter tree, unprofitable, fit to be hewn down and burnt. Lord, dost Thou have mercy on me?
Thou hast struck a heavy blow at my pride, at the false god of self, and I lie in pieces before Thee. But Thou hast given me another master and lord, Thy Son, Jesus, and now my heart is turned towards holiness, my life speeds as an arrow from a bow towards complete obedience to Thee. Help me in all my doings to put down sin and to humble pride. Save me from the love of the world and the pride of life, from everything that is natural to fallen man, and let Christ's nature be seen in me day by day. Grant me grace to bear Thy will without repining, and delight to be not only chiselled, squared, or fashioned, but separated from the old rock where I have been embedded so long, and lifted from the quarry to the upper air, where I may be built in Christ for ever.
One the biggest topics on people's minds in the new year is money. Will we have enough? Where will it come from? Can I make the payment on my credit card? So, take a look at your fiances and see what kind of shape you are. Maybe you are in the shape you are in because you have not submitted your money to God? How would submitting your money to God change your spending, giving, coveting, wasting? These are the questions and now is the time to be asking them.
As base a thing as money often is, it yet can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.— A.W. Tozer,
Also on a unrelated note, head over to Edgefield First Baptist Church's new website. It is very nice, clean, and great looking, unlike their preacher Stacy Williams!!! He also has a nice blog that is worth reading as well. I will be praying for the best for EFBC and all our churches in Edgefield County in 2009 (sorry Aiken!).
I am a fairly disciplined person in daily walk with God. In have a fairly set schedule of Bible reading, prayer, and silence where I just think about my life and God (I know had to believe,). But, I am nothing compared to resolve of Jonathan Edwards, probably America’s greatest theologian and pastors. So, with it being new years give these a read. Also, let me know which one of these 70 resolutions you like the most or just share your new years resolution. For me it is become disciplined in eating. I want to lose weight, but more importantly learn to rightly enjoy a moderate amount of food and not be a glutton. I also am going to incorporate more fasting into my devotional life as well in 2009.
Have a great 2009, Pastor Phillip
THE RESOLUTIONS
of
Jonathan Edwards
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.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
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 soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, 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.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, 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.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6,‹A faithful man who can find?Š may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, 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. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do any thing of which I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.
44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. January 12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper; and to do at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if, I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
60. 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.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man:‹knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.Š June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. January 14 and July 13, 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those ‹groanings which cannot be utteredŠ (Romans 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those‹breakings of soul for the longing it hath,Š of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.
