“A Puritan Code” ~ 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,
REMEMBER TO READ OVER THESE RESOLUTIONS ONCE A WEEK.
Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it in the most profitable way I
possibly can.
Resolved, to live with all my might while I do live.
Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of
my life.
Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
Resolved, never to speak evil of any person except some particular good call for it.
Resolved, never to do anything 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.
Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous or matter of laughter on the Lord’s
day.
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.
Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire what I am the better for them; what good I have got,
and what I might have got by them.
Reading Comprehension Questions (answer on a separate sheet of paper if needed)
1. What does the introduction tell you about the author?
2. How would Edwards feel about playing games or just relaxing? Which resolution
led you to this conclusion?
3. According to Edwards, how can a person judge whether or not to “do
something”?
4. When does Edwards say it is acceptable to “speak evil” of a person? Do you
agree? Why/why not?
5. After reading this code, do you think Edwards felt people were generally good, or
generally weak? Explain.
6. Do you think Edwards’ code is a good one to live by? Is it practical? Which
resolutions would be most difficult to follow?
**What would a modern “Teenage Code” look like if a teenager (you) wrote it today?
Think about what advice you would give teenagers wanting to live a ‘happy’ life. Decide
on 5 resolutions and write them down.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace
there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good
terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen
to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for
always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy
your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own
career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes
of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of
trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many
persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be
yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about
love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial
as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not
distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue
and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no
doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And
whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep
peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is
still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
--- Max Ehrmann, 1927
Mini-essay #1
After reading both pieces, write a comparative reflection on them. How
are the two writing similar? How are they different? Be sure to use
specific details in your writing to support your ideas!
Use the graphic organizer to help you!