Rehearse now the third Commandment.
Answer. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.
Scripture References: Exo. 20:7; Levit. 19:12
Question. Tell me what is it to take the Name of God in vain.
Answer. To abuse it in blasphemy, sorcery, or witchcraft, in cursing, forswearing, or with swearing rashly, unadvisedly, or without necessity ; or with once naming it without a weighty case and great reverence.
Scripture References: Isa. 8:19 and 52:5; Acts 19:13; 1 Tim. 10:10; Matt. 3:33; Psalm 113:1-2
Question. Is there any lawful using of the Name of God in swearing?
Answer. Yea forsooth, when an oath is taken for a just cause, either to affirm a truth, especially if the magistrate require or command it ; or of any other matter of great importance, wherein we are either to maintain inviolate the honour of God, and to set forth his glory ; or to preserve mutual agreement and charity among men. In these cases we may take an oath, using therein with great reverence the fearful and glorious Name of our God only, and of none other creature.
Scripture Reference: Exo. 22:11; Josha 2:12; Psalm 15:5 and 63:12; 2 Cor. 1:23; Gal. 1:20; Heb. 6:26
Question. What followeth next?
Answer. For the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain.
Scripture References: Exo. 22:7; Levit. 19:10
Question. Why doth he here particularly threaten them that abuse his Name?
Answer. His meaning was, to show how highly he esteemeth the glory of his Name, to the end that seeing punishment ready for us, we should so much the more heedfully beware of abusing it.
Scripture Reference: Levit. 19:12; Ezek. 20:9, 14.
Question. May we not then swear by the name of Saints, or by the name of other men, or creatures?
Answer. No: For to swear, is nothing else but to call on him by whom we swear, to be a witness that we swear true : and to be a revenger of our lying, if we swear false. Which honour of knowing and punishing of all evil, being due to God’s wisdom and Majesty only, to give to any other person or creatures, were a most heinous sin.
Scripture References: Ex. 22:11; Psalm 6:12; Heb. 6:16; Deut. 6:13 and 10:20; Joshua 23:7; Isa. 85:16