(_a_) We are apt to forget vows when God has fulfilled His side of
them. Resolutions made in time of trouble are soon forgotten. We pray
and think about God more then than when things go well with us.
Religion is in many men's judgment for stormy weather only.
(_b_) We are often more resolved to make sacrifices in the beginning of
our Christian course than afterwards.
Many a brilliant morning is followed by cloudy day.
Youth is often full of enthusiasms which after-days forget.
2._ The reasons for the negligence_.
Jacob felt a gradual fading away of impressions of need. He was
comfortably settled at Shechem. He was surrounded by a wild, godless
household who cherished their idols, and he knew that if he went to
Bethel idolatry must be given up.