On the Third Commandment.

Chapter 5

1532. When is God's name taken in vain?

2It is taken or uttered in vain when it is uttered in vain and unprofitable talk, and still more so when it is uttered lyingly or irreverently.

3533. What sins are forbidden by the third commandment?

41. Blasphemy , or daring words against God.

52. Murmuring , or complaining against God's providence.

63. Profaneness; when holy things are jested on, or insulted.

74. Inattention in prayer.

85. Perjury; when men affirm with an oath what is false.

96. Oath-breaking; when men keep not just and lawful oaths.

107. Breach of vows made to God.

118. Common swearing , or thoughtless oaths in common talk.

12534. Are not such oaths specially forbidden in holy Scripture?

13The Saviour says: I say unto you, Swear not at all, but let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Matt. v. 34, 37 .

14535. Does not this go to forbid all oaths in civil matters?

15The Apostle Paul says: Men swear by the greater; and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. Heb. vi. 16, 17 . Hence we must conclude, that if God himself for an immutable assurance used an oath, much more may we on grave and necessary occasions, when required by lawful authority, take an oath or vow religiously, with the firm intention of not breaking it.