Deus Principium

Deus Principiumhttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&blog_id=96636In Colossians 1:18 Paul declares "He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything." Deus principium means "God is my first principles." On this blog i will be posting a variety of topics directly related to this perspective. Some will be outpouring from my own studies while others will be things written by others that have challenged my thinking. My hope is that, through these posEN-USCopyright © 2010 Vincent Baptist Churchhttp://www.triplePixel.comTue, 17 Nov 2009 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Content/10294/Thumbnails/96636-thumbnail.jpgDeus Principiumhttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&blog_id=96636Thoughts from the GristSteve HobbsIn Colossians 1:18 Paul declares "He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything." Deus principium means "God is my first principles." On this blog i will be posting a variety of topics directly related to this perspective. Some will be outpouring from my own studies while others will be things written by others that have challenged my thinking. My hope is that, through these posSteve Hobbsstevephobbs@gmail.comnoDeathhttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=185570http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=185570Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT  <style>  </style>  Life is nothing but death's hallway; and our pilgrimage on earth is but a journey to the grave. The pulse that preserves our being beats our death march, and the blood which circulates our life is floating it forward to the deeps of death. Today we see our friends in health, tomorrow we hear of their death. Only yesterday, we shook hands with the strong man, and today we close his eyes. We rode in a chariot of comfort only an hour ago, and in a few more hours the black hearse must carry us to the home of the living. Oh, how closely allied is death to life! The little lamb that plays in the field must soon feel the knife. The cow that lows in the pasture is fattening itself for the slaughter. Trees only grow to be cut down. Yes, and greater things than these feel death. Empires rise and flourish; they flourish only to fall into decay, they rise to fall. How often do we take up a history book, and read of the rise and fall of empires. We hear of the coronation and the death of kings. Death is the black servant who rides behind the chariot of life. See life and death is close behind it. Death reaches far throughout this world, and has stamped all terrestrial things with an arrow pointing to the grave. Stars die; it is said that large and destructive fires have been seen in outer space, and astronomers have marked the funerals of planets-the decay of those mighty spheres, that we had imagined set forever in sockets of silver, to glisten as the lamps of eternity. But blessed be God, there is one place where death is not life's brother-where life reigns alone; "to live" is not the first syllable which is to be followed by the next, "to die." There is a land where the death bells are never tolled, where grave clothes are never put on, where graves are never dug. Blessed land beyond the skies! To reach it, we must die. Charles Spurgeon Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Life is nothing but death's hallway; and our pilgrimage on earth is but a journey to the grave. The pulse that preserves our being beats our death march, and the blood which circulates our life is floating it forward to the deeps of death. Today we see our friends in health, tomorrow we hear of their death. Only yesterday, we shook hands with the strong man, and today we close his eyes. We rode in a chariot of comfort only an hour ago, and in a few more hours the black hearse must carry us to the home of the living. Oh, how closely allied is death to life! The little lamb that plays in the field must soon feel the knife. The cow that lows in the pasture is fattening itself for the slaughter. Trees only grow to be cut down. Yes, and greater things than these feel death. Empires rise and flourish; they flourish only to fall into decay, they rise to fall. How often do we take up a history book, and read of the rise and fall of empires. We hear of the coronation and the death of kings. Death is the black servant who rides behind the chariot of life. See life and death is close behind it. Death reaches far throughout this world, and has stamped all terrestrial things with an arrow pointing to the grave. Stars die; it is said that large and destructive fires have been seen in outer space, and astronomers have marked the funerals of planets-the decay of those mighty spheres, that we had imagined set forever in sockets of silver, to glisten as the lamps of eternity. But blessed be God, there is one place where death is not life's brother-where life reigns alone; "to live" is not the first syllable which is to be followed by the next, "to die." There is a land where the death bells are never tolled, where grave clothes are never put on, where graves are never dug. Blessed land beyond the skies! To reach it, we must die. Charles Spurgeon185570They are all head but no feethttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=116614http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=116614Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT A sermon is never rightly heard—until it is practiced. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” <a title="Bible Gateway" href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=NASB&passage=John+13%3A17" linkindex="6" set="yes">John 13:17</a> Christ does not put happiness upon knowing—but upon doing. It is not knowledge of the points of religion—but practice, which renders a man truly happy and blessed. <a title="Bible Gateway" href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=NASB&passage=Luke+6%3A46" linkindex="7">Luke 6:46</a>, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” It is not the mere knowledge and acceptance of the most glorious Gospel truths—which will bring a man to heaven. If a man could fluently discourse on all Scriptural truths, if his head were a treasury of wisdom, an ocean of learning—yet this could not entitle him to happiness. His knowledge might make him admired by men—but not blessed by God. If a man knew and believed all the doctrines of Scripture—this would not crown him with happiness. Knowledge is a fair garland to look upon—but it is like Rachael. Though she was beautiful—yet being barren she said, “Give me children or I die!” Just so, if knowledge does not bring forth the child of obedience—it will die and come to nothing. I would by no means disparage knowledge. Knowledge is the pilot to guide us in our obedience. Yet, knowledge must usher in obedience. Knowledge may put us into the way of happiness, but it is only practice which brings us there! Knowledge alone, cannot make a man eternally happy and blessed. Knowledge alone, does not make a man better; therefore, it cannot make him happy and blessed. Bare knowledge has no influence; it does not leave a spiritual tincture of holiness behind. Knowledge informs—not transforms. Knowledge, of itself, has no power upon the heart to make it more holy. Bare knowledge is like weak medicine, which does not work. It does not warm the affections nor purge the conscience; it does not fetch virtue from Christ to dry up the bloody issue of sin. A man may receive the light of the truth—yet not love the truth, “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” <a title="Bible Gateway" href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=NASB&passage=2+Thessalonians+2%3A10" linkindex="8">2 Thessalonians 2:10</a>. The Apostle calls it “a form of knowledge,” <a title="Bible Gateway" href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=NASB&passage=Romans+2%3A20" linkindex="9">Romans 2:20</a>. Knowledge alone, is but a dead form, having nothing to animate it. He who has knowledge alone—is a spiritual stillborn! He looks like a Christian—but has neither appetite nor motion. Knowledge alone, makes men monsters in religion! They are all head—but no feet! They do not walk in Christ, <a title="Bible Gateway" href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=NASB&passage=Colossians+2%3A6" linkindex="10">Colossians 2:6</a>. A man may have Scriptural knowledge—and still be profane! He may have a clear head—and a foul heart! The understanding may be illumined—when the foot treads in unholy paths. If knowledge is divorced from practice, and does not make a man better—then it cannot make a man eternally happy and blessed. If bare knowledge will save, then all who have knowledge shall be saved. But that is not true—for then Judas would be saved, for he had knowledge enough. Then the devil would be saved! A man may have right knowledge, and be no better than a devil! Hell is full of learned heads! Knowledge alone, makes a man’s case worse! Knowledge takes away all excuse. Knowledge adds to a man’s torment. “Woe to you! I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you!” It will be better with heathen—than with professing Christians living in a contradiction to their knowledge. <a title="Bible Gateway" href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=NASB&passage=Luke+12%3A47" linkindex="11">Luke 12:47</a>, “The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it!” Knowledge without practice, serves only as a torch to light men to hell—the brighter the light, the hotter the fire! - Thomas Watson, “The Good Practitioner” A sermon is never rightly heard—until it is practiced. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” John 13:17 Christ does not put happiness upon knowing—but upon doing. It is not knowledge of the points of religion—but practice, which renders a man truly happy and blessed. Luke 6:46 , “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” It is not the mere knowledge and acceptance of the most glorious Gospel truths—which will bring a man to heaven. If a man could fluently discourse on all Scriptural truths, if his head were a treasury of wisdom, an ocean of learning—yet this could not entitle him to happiness. His knowledge might make him admired by men—but not blessed by God. If a man knew and believed all the doctrines of Scripture—this would not crown him with happiness. Knowledge is a fair garland to look upon—but it is like Rachael. Though she was beautiful—yet being barren she said, “Give me children or I die!” Just so, if knowledge does not bring forth the child of obedience—it will die and come to nothing. I would by no means disparage knowledge. Knowledge is the pilot to guide us in our obedience. Yet, knowledge must usher in obedience. Knowledge may put us into the way of happiness, but it is only practice which brings us there! Knowledge alone, cannot make a man eternally happy and blessed. Knowledge alone, does not make a man better; therefore, it cannot make him happy and blessed. Bare knowledge has no influence; it does not leave a spiritual tincture of holiness behind. Knowledge informs—not transforms. Knowledge, of itself, has no power upon the heart to make it more holy. Bare knowledge is like weak medicine, which does not work. It does not warm the affections nor purge the conscience; it does not fetch virtue from Christ to dry up the bloody issue of sin. A man may receive the light of the truth—yet not love the truth, “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10 . The Apostle calls it “a form of knowledge,” Romans 2:20 . Knowledge alone, is but a dead form, having nothing to animate it. He who has knowledge alone—is a spiritual stillborn! He looks like a Christian—but has neither appetite nor motion. Knowledge alone, makes men monsters in religion! They are all head—but no feet! They do not walk in Christ, Colossians 2:6 . A man may have Scriptural knowledge—and still be profane! He may have a clear head—and a foul heart! The understanding may be illumined—when the foot treads in unholy paths. If knowledge is divorced from practice, and does not make a man better—then it cannot make a man eternally happy and blessed. If bare knowledge will save, then all who have knowledge shall be saved. But that is not true—for then Judas would be saved, for he had knowledge enough. Then the devil would be saved! A man may have right knowledge, and be no better than a devil! Hell is full of learned heads! Knowledge alone, makes a man’s case worse! Knowledge takes away all excuse. Knowledge adds to a man’s torment. “Woe to you! I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you!” It will be better with heathen—than with professing Christians living in a contradiction to their knowledge. Luke 12:47 , “The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it!” Knowledge without practice, serves only as a torch to light men to hell—the brighter the light, the hotter the fire! - Thomas...116614Philosophy of ministryhttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=111485http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=111485Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT   <style style="">  </style>  Our view of reality is determined by what we believe about truth. It is my firm belief that there is no truth apart from what God has breathed to man and preserved in the pages of His Word; God’s Word is called truth (John 17:17). Truth can only be known by faith, the faith that begins with the Living Word, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The Word of God is sufficient for all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). These three principles form the foundation for my ministry and the approach that I take in making disciples. It is the responsibility of every Christian to make disciples, baptizing them (evangelism) and teaching them to observe the commands of the Word. The goal of my instruction and interaction with those whom God has created in His image is not a modification of behavior. Too often outward change is accomplished when the Law is applied without teaching its purpose – to drive the sinner to the cross (Galatians 3:19-25). We are driven by what we value. God’s patient and loving discipline and the sword of His Word divide the thoughts and intents of the heart, exposing values which are idolatrous, providing opportunity for change through faith. As a minister of God’s grace it is my responsibility to always and in every way manifest Jesus Christ to every man’s conscience. It is the cross of Christ and its promises that are the hope for change for those who have been born out of death into life and are being pressed into the image of Christ. It is the covenant in His blood that interprets life; the responsibility, therefore, of His ministers to explain how the cross applies to every situation that a person encounters. The dilemma that man faces is not his environment, nor his genetics, etc., but rather his sin. The solution to man’s dilemma can only be had when he repents, acknowledging his helplessness and inability to be right with God, and trusting in the promises and provision of the cross. Repentance is an event that punctuates the life of the believer, initially unto salvation, and continually in his sanctification. Though repentance is an event that begins the process of change, change is accomplished over time. Following admonition, the minister’s responsibility in helping the repentant to change is to encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Timothy 2:24-26), knowing that it is God who will cause the growth in His time (1 Corinthians 5:3-9, Galatians 6:9). It is through the afflictions of life that God humbles and teaches His children what it means to fear Him (Psalm 119:67, 2 Timothy 3:12). The sufferings of the physical life have the eternal purpose of storing up for the afflicted an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). The minister of God’s grace is commanded to comfort those who are afflicted with the promises that God has made through His Son (2 Corinthians 1:3-8). Comforting those who are afflicted and encouraging their obedience provides opportunity for them to show forth in a very clear and present way the sufferings and obedience of Christ (the Gospel) illustrating what is lacking in our present understanding of the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24). The glory of God shines most clearly though a redeemed but broken vessel (2 Corinthians 4:7); it is the charge of the minister of God’s grace to communicate this truth in action and in deed to those whom God providentially brings his way. Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4  /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Our view of reality is determined by what we believe about truth. It is my firm belief that there is no truth apart from what God has breathed to man and preserved in the pages of His Word; God’s Word is called truth (John 17:17). Truth can only be known by faith, the faith that begins with the Living Word, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The Word of God is sufficient for all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). These three principles form the foundation for my ministry and the approach that I take in making disciples. It is the responsibility of every Christian to make disciples, baptizing them (evangelism) and teaching them to observe the commands of the Word. The goal of my instruction and interaction with those whom God has created in His image is not a modification of behavior. Too often outward change is accomplished when the Law is applied without teaching its purpose – to drive the sinner to the cross (Galatians 3:19-25). We are driven by what we value. God’s patient and loving discipline and the sword of His Word divide the thoughts and intents of the heart, exposing values which are idolatrous, providing opportunity for change through faith. As a minister of God’s grace it is my responsibility to always and in every way manifest Jesus Christ to every man’s conscience. It is the cross of Christ and its promises that are the hope for change for those who have been born out of death into life and are being pressed into the image of Christ. It is the covenant in His blood that interprets life; the responsibility, therefore, of His ministers to explain how the cross applies to every situation that a person encounters. The dilemma that man faces is not his environment, nor his genetics, etc., but rather his sin. The solution to man’s dilemma can only be had when he repents, acknowledging his helplessness and inability to be right with God, and trusting in the promises and provision of the cross. Repentance is an event that punctuates the life of the believer, initially unto salvation, and continually in his sanctification. Though repentance is an event that begins...111485Who may Fellowship with God? Part 2 Psalm 24http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=98274http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=98274Fri, 30 May 2008 14:00:00 GMT Then, to complete the hopelessness, David then effectively allows the reader to understand the result of living this way. It is as if the reader is left as a starving man looking through a window into a banquet hall and seeing the monstrous turkey all golden brown and the mountain of mashed potatoes with butter cascading down the sides along with the endless pile of hot dinner roles, etc. And to top it all off the exhaust fan is on and focused right on the spot where he is standing and the wonderful smell is overwhelming. Yet, he is left standing there without a possibility of entering. <o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> That is what we find in verses 5, 6. Why is it so important that we ascend? We will receive a blessing. And what is that blessing? Righteousness! From the God of his salvation. What is David trying to do? It is as if he is saying “here are the requirements to be able to receive righteousness. And yet you can’t attain it without righteousness. Therefore, you have no hope.” Exactly. That is what he is doing. We are hopeless. We can not do it. We are excluded from climbing the hill. We are excluded from righteousness. We are excluded from blessing. We are excluded from salvation.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> And yet, The Psalm does not end there. One would expect that the conclusion of the Psalm would speak of how the Lord is done with His people because of their rebellion and sinfulness. However, the next declaration is quite the opposite. Rather than being hopeless, the call is for the gates of the city to be lifted up. The reference is symbolically of the gates of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>. But the idea is for those of the city (who were just told of their hopelessness) to be lifted up. In other words, the call is to not be discouraged with the reality that you can not measure up. Why? Because the king is coming!<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> But who is this king? The text tells us. Verse 8 and 10 gives an excellent explanation. He is strong and mighty in battle. And then He is described as the Lord of Hosts and the king of glory. Clearly, the Lord Himself is being described. The one on the holy hill is coming! That is, the one we have no hope of going to is coming to us! Which, of course, begs the question, why is He coming? These two verses give the first clues. He is called the Lord of hosts in verse 10. This description refers to the reality that this Lord is the Lord of armies. And combining this with verse 8 in becomes clear that He is coming to do war! <o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> So, first we find out that we have so fallen short that we have no hope of ascending the holy hill and receiving the blessing of righteousness from the God of salvation and then we find out that He is coming to us. But He is coming with His army. From hopelessness to utter hopelessness. But wait. We need to go back to verse 7 and 9. The call is to lift up your heads. Why? So that the King of glory may come in! He is coming to do what we could never do! And He is bringing His army. But armies destroy don’t they? Yes. The only issue is what they come to destroy. Here, David declares that the King of glory is coming with His army not to destroy the people but to destroy the dirty hands, the impure hearts, the souls that are full of falsehood, the hearts that have sworn deceitfully. But that’s not all. Once those are destroyed then we are qualified to receive the blessing from the Lord. Righteousness from the God of salvation is ours. <o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> How is this possible? Because the Lord of hosts has come in the person of Jesus Christ! And he has destroyed sin and death. If you have acknowledged your utter helplessness and desperation and need of a savior and have received the salvation of Jesus Christ because of His finished work on the cross you are able to ascend the holy hill of the Lord!<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> If you have not, I pray that you will acknowledge your hopelessness and need for a savior, Jesus Christ. Cry out to Him today. Ask Him for forgiveness of your sin against the Holy God and your need for Him do what you can not do. Receive Him as your savior.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> If you have been captured by the Lord of Hosts, been forgiven of your sins, ask yourself, “am I ascending the holy hill?” That is, am I experiencing a growing enjoyment of having my sins forgiven, being made to be able to stand in the presence of the Lord, a growing desire to have the experience of clean hands, pure heart, no falsehood, and not deceitfulness? Am I in pursuit of living out what is real? Or am I still living as if I have no hope?<o:p /> <o:p /> Then, to complete the hopelessness, David then effectively allows the reader to understand the result of living this way. It is as if the reader is left as a starving man looking through a window into a banquet hall and seeing the monstrous turkey all golden brown and the mountain of mashed potatoes with butter cascading down the sides along with the endless pile of hot dinner roles, etc. And to top it all off the exhaust fan is on and focused right on the spot where he is standing and the wonderful smell is overwhelming. Yet, he is left standing there without a possibility of entering. That is what we find in verses 5, 6. Why is it so important that we ascend? We will receive a blessing. And what is that blessing? Righteousness! From the God of his salvation. What is David trying to do? It is as if he is saying “here are the requirements to be able to receive righteousness. And yet you can’t attain it without righteousness. Therefore, you have no hope.” Exactly. That is what he is doing. We are hopeless. We can not do it. We are excluded from climbing the hill. We are excluded from righteousness. We are excluded from blessing. We are excluded from salvation. And yet, The Psalm does not end there. One would expect that the conclusion of the Psalm would speak of how the Lord is done with His people because of their rebellion and sinfulness. However, the next declaration is quite the opposite. Rather than being hopeless, the call is for the gates of the city to be lifted up. The reference is symbolically of the gates of Jerusalem . But the idea is for those of the city (who were just told of their hopelessness) to be lifted up. In other words, the call is to not be discouraged with the reality that you can not measure up. Why? Because the king is coming! But who is this king? The text tells us. Verse 8 and 10 gives an excellent explanation. He is strong and mighty in battle. And then He is described as the Lord of Hosts and the king of glory. Clearly, the Lord Himself is being described. The one on the holy hill is coming! That is, the one we have no hope of going to is coming to us! Which, of course, begs the question, why is He coming? These two verses give the first clues. He is called the Lord of hosts in verse 10. This description refers to the reality that this Lord is the Lord of armies. And combining this with verse 8 in becomes clear that He is coming to do war! So, first we find out that we have so fallen short that we have no hope of ascending the holy hill and receiving the blessing of righteousness from the God of salvation and then we find out that He is coming to us. But He is coming with His army. From hopelessness to utter hopelessness. But wait. We need to go back to verse 7 and 9. The call is to lift up your heads. Why? So that the King of glory may come in! He is coming to do what we could never do! And He is bringing His army. But armies destroy don’t they? Yes. The only issue is what they come to destroy. Here, David declares that the King of glory is coming with His army not to destroy the people but to destroy the dirty hands, the impure hearts, the souls that are full of falsehood, the hearts that have sworn deceitfully. But that’s not all. Once those are destroyed then we are qualified to receive the blessing from the Lord. Righteousness from the God of salvation is ours. How is this possible? Because the Lord of hosts has come in the person of Jesus Christ! And he has destroyed sin and death. If you have...98274http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Content/10294/Thumbnails/98274-thumbnail.jpg?0901091014Who may fellowship with God? Part 1 Psalm 24http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=97627http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=97627Wed, 21 May 2008 19:00:00 GMT Psalm 24 A Psalm of David The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers, Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face-even Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O Gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is the king of glory? The LORD strong and mighty The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. This is part one of a two part series. It seems to me that we do not really understand the reality of our condition. We vaguely understand we need a savior because we vaguely understand we are sinners. This often demonstrates itself in several ways.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>The way we approach worship is quite telling. Ask yourself this question: “how much time to spend in heart preparation for gathering in corporate worship?” Or how about: “how often to I acknowledge that the activities and events that happen between the bookends we call “church” are inherently worship?” Isn’t it interesting how we cling to a vague acknowledgement of the truth that all is worship and yet when we are in the events we often do not even acknowledge Christ’s existence?<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>Or consider our perspective of eternity. There is no question that the Scriptures tell us that it is normal and appropriate for Christians to have a heavenly focus. Richard Baxter said: “some are so earthly minded that they are no heavenly good.” Today we turn that 180 degrees the other direction and actually speak against those who have a strong heavenly focus. So, ask yourself these questions: “What do I know of heaven?” “What is the big deal?” And most important for self evaluation: “how strongly do I feel the pull to be with my savior?” Without a strong pull to be with Christ and away from this fallen world there is no motivation to glorify God and certainly no enjoying of Christ.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>All this brings us to Psalm 24. David begins this great Psalm by making a declaration in the first two verses. Notice that his overarching statement is a proclamation of His immense power and sovereignty. Everything is His. Why? Because He created it. He has ownership. The title is His. But also notice He not only owns the world, He also owns the contents. That includes what you own and what you do. But most important, it includes you. The ramifications of this are stupendous. Of importance is the question of what He does with what He owns. Which leads us to verses 3-6.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>If it true all is owned by God, the question is who can be in His presence. Of course, the over arching teaching in the Scriptures is that Man is in desperate straits. Because of sin he is left with no hope, which makes the questions of verse 3 utterly important. What difference does it make if one may be able to “ascend the holy hill of the Lord?” Because the alternative is to be rejected. That is, it is to be destroyed in hell. So, the questions are of amazing importance. Who among all that God owns may actually enjoy His blessing? Who may have the privilege of living in the place of ultimate enjoyment, peace, blessing, and joy?<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>The hoped for answer would probably be one of two possibilities. One would probably be everyone can come. He is the owner isn’t He? So, why can’t he just let everyone come? Of course this answer comes out of a rejection of the complete fall of man into sin and the utter holiness of God.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>The other probable answer to the question is “just tell me what I can do to gain entrance.” And this is exactly what David tells the reader. However, rather than explaining requirements that are attainable, his fourfold description of what is required leaves us utterly hopeless. No one is able to measure up. No one is able to ascend into the hill of the Lord. Clean hands? A pure heart? No falsehood? No deceitfulness?<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>We must not miss the point David is driving at here. Who has clean hands? That is, who has never sinned with his body? Who has lived in such a way that he has never demonstrated sin in his physical body? And just when we realize the stark reality of our answer he brings up the second requirement. A pure heart. That is, one who would be allowed in the presence of the Lord is one who has not sinned in his heart. Who has not thought thoughts of hatred, bitterness, anger? Or what about lust, or coveting?<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>And yet, the answer is not over yet. The one who has the privilege of being in the presence of the Lord is one who has never practiced falsehood. In other words, the one who is allowed to ascend is the one who has never set up idols in his heart. That is, he has never placed other things, people, or activities in greater prominence than God. Nothing has captured his attention, focus, and desire other than God. Who has not found themselves repeatedly being drawn to other things? And worse than that, who has not found themselves completely given over to those other things?<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>And yet David is still not done. Some would say at this point he is merely piling on. And yet, such “piling on” is necessary as most are so hard hearted that we may miss our true condition. So one more requirement is presented. The one who can ascend is the one who has not sworn deceitfully. That is, this one is the same internally as he is externally. What he says is what is in his heart. There is no disconnect. There is no manipulation to get what you want. Lying is excluded as is exaggeration.Part two will be posted in a few days. please check back to read of the hope found in Psalm 24 Psalm 24 A Psalm of David The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers, Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face-even Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O Gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is the king of glory? The LORD strong and mighty The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. This is part one of a two part series. It seems to me that we do not really understand the reality of our condition. We vaguely understand we need a savior because we vaguely understand we are sinners. This often demonstrates itself in several ways. The way we approach worship is quite telling. Ask yourself this question: “how much time to spend in heart preparation for gathering in corporate worship?” Or how about: “how often to I acknowledge that the activities and events that happen between the bookends we call “church” are inherently worship?” Isn’t it interesting how we cling to a vague acknowledgement of the truth that all is worship and yet when we are in the events we often do not even acknowledge Christ’s existence? Or consider our perspective of eternity. There is no question that the Scriptures tell us that it is normal and appropriate for Christians to have a heavenly focus. Richard Baxter said: “some are so earthly minded that they are no heavenly good.” Today we turn that 180 degrees the other direction and actually speak against those who have a strong heavenly focus. So, ask yourself these questions: “What do I know of heaven?” “What is the big deal?” And most important for self evaluation: “how strongly do I feel the pull to be with my savior?” Without a strong pull to be with Christ and away from this fallen world there is no motivation to glorify God and certainly no enjoying of Christ. All this brings us to Psalm 24. David begins this great Psalm by making a declaration in the first two verses. Notice that his overarching statement is a proclamation of His immense power and sovereignty. Everything is His. Why? Because He created it. He has ownership. The title is His. But also notice He not only owns the world, He also owns the contents. That includes what you own and what you do. But most important, it includes you. The ramifications of this are stupendous. Of importance is the question of what He does with what He owns. Which leads us to verses 3-6. If it true all is owned by God, the question is who can be in His presence. Of course, the over arching teaching in the Scriptures is that Man is in desperate straits. Because of sin he is left with no hope, which makes the questions of verse 3 utterly important. What difference does it make if one may be able to “ascend the holy hill of the Lord?” Because the alternative is to be rejected. That is, it is to be destroyed in hell. So, the questions are of amazing importance. Who among all that God owns may actually enjoy His blessing? Who may have the privilege of living in the...97627http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Content/10294/Thumbnails/97627-thumbnail.jpg?0901091014What's Our Problem?http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=97110http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=97110Thu, 15 May 2008 06:00:00 GMT We love our own little kingdom. In fact, I am convinced that we often place our own little kingdom in such a position that we don’t even have a view of the kingdom of God. The strange thing is that we talk as if we really believe in the beauty and glory of God’s kingdom but, if our lives were ever biblically examined, it would quickly become obvious that our prayer often looks more like “my kingdom come, my will be done, on earth as it ought to be in heaven.” This is what troubles so many unsaved people as they consider the claims of Christ. They can’t get past the “followers” of Christ and their little kingdoms on earth. This is exactly what Gandi was referring to when he said the following: “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”<o:p /> Mahatma GandhiWe love our own little kingdom. In fact, I am convinced that we often place our own little kingdom in such a position that we don’t even have a view of the kingdom of God. The strange thing is that we talk as if we really believe in the beauty and glory of God’s kingdom but, if our lives were ever biblically examined, it would quickly become obvious that our prayer often looks more like “my kingdom come, my will be done, on earth as it ought to be in heaven.” This is what troubles so many unsaved people as they consider the claims of Christ. They can’t get past the “followers” of Christ and their little kingdoms on earth. This is exactly what Gandi was referring to when he said the following: “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Mahatma Gandhi97110The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwardshttp://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=96641http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Blog.aspx?site_id=10294&entry_id=96641Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 GMT <h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"> THE RESOLUTIONS<o:p /> </h2> <h4 align="center" style="text-align: center;">of<o:p /></h4> <h3 align="center" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan Edwards<o:p /></h3> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> <hr width="100%" size="2" align="center" /> </div> 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.<o:p /> <div align="center" style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> <hr width="100%" size="2" align="center" /> </div> 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.<o:p /> 2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.<o:p /> 6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.<o:p /> 7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.<o:p /> 10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.<o:p /> 14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.<o:p /> 15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.<o:p /> 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 <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Haven</st1:place></st1:city> in 1722)<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.<o:p /> 27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 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.<o:p /> 69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.<o:p /> 70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.<o:p /> <o:p> </o:p>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. 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...96641http://www.vincentbaptistchurch.org/Content/10294/Thumbnails/96641-thumbnail.jpg?0901091014