Promise-keeping.
"And the people did according to this promise." Nehemiah wrote this, we may be sure, with peculiar satisfaction. It would be well if the history of all promises of amendment, etc. could be thus concluded. But it is far otherwise. Men often "say and do not." Even vows made to God in secret or before the Church, and with solemnities resembling those recorded here, are, alas, often broken. In view of such failures it may be profitable for those who are contemplating a solemn profession of religion to consider how they may best Secure that they shall fulfil their vows.
I. BY CARE IN MAKING THEM.
1. With right understanding of their import.
2. With deep conviction of the truths and duties to which they relate.
3. With due deliberation. Not hastily, under the influence of passing emotion, but carefully considering what they involve, and counting the cost of keeping them.
4. Of free and hearty choice. Not merely because of pressing solicitations from others.
5. In dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit. With consciousness of weakness, and humble reliance on God and prayer to him.
II. BY FREQUENT REMEMBRANCE AND RENEWAL OF THEM. "O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord." "Thy vows are upon me, O God." "I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments." Such exercises are especially suitable:
1. In anticipating and celebrating the Lord's Supper.
2. When assailed by powerful temptations.
3. When called to difficult duties. Such as, though requiring toil and self-denial, are involved in our professed consecration to God.
III. BY CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYER. In conclusion, notice—
1. The blessedness of those who do according to their promises to God. He will fulfil his promises to them.
2. The guilt of unfulfilled promises.
3. The comfort, under the sense of partial failure, which arises from the Divine compassion and readiness to forgive. "For in many things we offend all." But our God knows and values sincere purpose and endeavour. He knows also our weakness. He accepts imperfect service, and forgives the imperfections of his true-hearted servants.
4. Obligation to piety and holiness is independent of our promises. These recognise obligations, do not create them. Those who "make no profession" must not, therefore, console themselves as if they were guiltless.