Description

The quote “Stamp eternity upon my eyeballs” comes from Jonathan Edwards’ personal Resolutions, a series of 70 commitments he made to guide his life and spiritual growth. This particular resolution, Resolution 17, reads as follows:

“Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.”

And the sentiment expressed in “stamp eternity upon my eyeballs” is related to this broader theme of Edwards’ resolutions. The phrase conveys his intense desire to live with a constant awareness of eternity and the eternal consequences of his actions. By asking God to “stamp eternity” on his vision, Edwards is praying for a heightened sense of the weight and significance of eternal matters in all aspects of his life.

Meaning and Context:
Eternal Perspective: Edwards’ resolution indicates a longing to maintain an eternal perspective in every moment of his life. He wanted to see the world through the lens of eternity, recognizing that temporal actions have eternal consequences. For Edwards, living with the awareness of eternity would help him avoid sinful distractions and focus on what truly matters — spiritual growth, salvation, and God’s glory.

Daily Awareness of God’s Purposes: By asking God to “stamp” eternity on his eyes, Edwards sought to cultivate a mindset that would constantly remind him of the brevity of earthly life and the unending nature of the afterlife. This would guide him in making choices that were aligned with God’s will rather than being driven by earthly desires or fleeting concerns.

Moral and Spiritual Clarity: The request to “stamp” suggests a deep imprint on his soul, much like a seal on paper. Edwards is yearning for a permanent and unshakable focus on the divine, something that would shape every part of his life and decisions. This imagery conveys a desire for moral clarity, where he would constantly be aware of the higher purpose behind his actions and their ultimate end.

In summary, Jonathan Edwards’ quote “stamp eternity upon my eyeballs” reflects his passionate pursuit of living a life marked by an awareness of eternity, where every thought, decision, and action is influenced by the eternal significance of God’s kingdom. It emphasizes the need for constant spiritual vigilance and a focus on eternal truths, rather than getting caught up in the distractions of the temporal world.