A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…

1. What a vow is. A lawful vow; it is a promise made to God, wherein a man bindeth his soul to perform some acceptable work to God. First, A promise made to God] wherein it differeth from a Prayer. In a Prayer we require something which God hath promised to us. In a vow we promise something to God; Hence in the Text, the vow is said to be vowed to God, v. 4. & v. 2. Secondly, A man bindeth his soul to God in them, Num. 30.4. Thirdly, To perform some acceptable thing to God; unlawful things we may not vow, as the Jews did, Acts 23.12, 13. nor impossible, nor unsuitable to our calling. But two sorts of things are acceptable matter of vows: First, Religious obedience to God in his Commandments, Psalm 119.106. Gen. 28.20, 21. Secondly, Helps to obedience, and removal of impediments. Payment of tithes was an help to worship, and to the maintenance of it in those days when God accepted such a maintenance for his Priests, Neh 9.38. with 10.29, 32. Gen. 28.22. So contributions, Acts 4.37. So the vow of a Nazarite, 1 Sam. 1.11. Job 31.1. was a removal of an Impediment. 2 Cor. 11.10. a prevention of dishonour to Pauls Ministry.

1. What a vow is. A lawfull vow; it is a promise made to God, wherein a man bindeth his soule to perform some acceptable work to God. First, A promise made to God] wherein it differeth from a Prayer. In a Prayer we require something which God hath promised to us. In a vow we promise something to God; Hence in the Text, the vow is said to be vowed to God, v. 4. & v. 2. Secondly, A man bindeth his soule to God in them,