While still in his teens he wrote a series of "Resolutions," the like of which it would be difficult to duplicate in the case of any other youth. These things are dwelt upon as indicating the way in which every fibre of his being was prepared for the great moral and intellectual legacy he left his children and his children's children. Here are ten of his seventy resolutions:
Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.
Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
Resolved, to live with all my might while I do live.
Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
Resolved, never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.