A01981:1304
The saints sacrifice
The saints sacrifice: or, a commentary on the CXVI. Psalm Which is, a gratulatory psalm, for deliverance from deadly distress. By William Gouge, D.D.The saints sacrifice: or, a commentarie on the CXVI. Psalme Which is, a gratulatory psalme, for deliverance from deadly distresse. By William Gouge, D.D.
London: printed by George Miller for Edward Brewster, 1632
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Section 90: §. 90. Of making vows to God.Section 90: §. 90. Of making vowes to God.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
We heard that a vow ariseth from a true intention. Who can discern that, but he who searcheth the heart? To whom do we owe such absolute homage, as to bind our selves in such a sacred and inviolable band, as a vow is, but only to God, especially in such divine duties as are proper to a vow.
We heard that a vow ariseth from a true intention. Who can discerne that, but he who searcheth the heart? To whom doe we owe such absolute homage, as to bind our selves in such a sacred and inviolable band, as a vow is, but onely to God, especially in such divine duties as are proper to a vow.
1In regard of this object to whom our vows are to be directed, it is not necessary that they be uttered with words, or manifested by signs. When Hannah vowed her solemn vow unto God, it is said, She spake in her heart, (1 Sam. 1. 13.) Indeed the earnestness of her affection, made her move her lips, and use such outward motions as Ely discerned her to be in some passion: but those were no signs of a vow. No creature could certainly have known thereby that she vowed a vow. As true and full a resolution, yea, and obtestation and promise too, may proceed from the soul by the very thoughts thereof, and be as well known to God, and as strongly bind a man, as by words or signs.
1In regard of this object to whom our vowes are to be directed, it is not necessary that they be uttered with words, or manifested by signes. When Hannah vowed her solemne vow unto God, it is said, She spake in her heart, (1 Sam. 1. 13.) Indeed the earnestnesse of her affection, made her move her lips, and use such outward motions as Elie discerned her to be in some passion: but those were no signes of a vow. No creature could certenly have knowne thereby that she vowed a vow. As true and full a resolution, yea, and obtestation and promise too, may proceed from the soule by the very thoughts thereof, and be as well knowne to God, and as strongly bind a man, as by words or signes.