Question 54

Doth the third Command require the use of Gods Names, Titles, Ordinances, &c.

Yes.

What kind of use doth it require?

An holy and teverent use.

Doth God look then that not only his worship be performed aright for the matter of it, but doth he also heed the manner [how] it be performed?

Yes.

And doth the third Commandment determine of the only right manner of Gods worship?

Yes.

What is meant by the name of God, when its said, [Thou shalt not take the name, &c.]

By his Name is understood any thing whereby he makes himself known.

Doth God make himself known to us by his Name, Titles, and Attributes?

Yes.

And by his Ordinances, Words, and Works?

Yes.

And are all these comprehended under the [Name] of God?

Yes.

Is this then that which is meant, when it is said, [Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord in vain] That we should not use his Names, Titles, or Attributes, Ordinances, Words, or Works, in a vain, irreverent, or unholy manner?

Yes.

What are some of Gods Names?

Jehovah, Jah, Lord, God, &c.

May we use these slightly, and irreverently in our ordinary speech, crying on every slight occasion, O Lord, O God, O Jesus, God forgive me, and the like?

No.

Must not this be done without seriousness and holy reverence?

No.

What are some of Gods Titles?

Creator, Father, Preserver of men, Hearer of Prayers, King of Kings, King of Saints, and the like.

What do you mean by Gods Attributes?

These perfections and properties of his Nature, whereby he makes himself known to us, and is distinguished from his Creatures.

What are some of them?

Infiniteness, eternity, and unchangeableness, &c.

Are Gods ordinances, as Prayer, and the like, a part of his name?

Yes.

May we be vain or irreverent in praying, hearing, &c. or suffer our minds to wander about other things?

No.

Is there required then in this Commandment, not only an outward reverence of the body in the use of Gods ordinances, but especially in the inward reverence of the mind?

Yes.

Must there be some care taken too of outward reverence, so far as it may serve to express and further the inward affections of the mind?

Yes.

May we read or hear the holy word of God vainly, and slightly, without Consideration, Observation, Meditation?

No.

Must we make a holy use of Gods works, taking notice of God in them?

Yes.

Is it a sin not to take notice of the glorious wisdom, power and goodness of God, expressed in his works of Creation?

Yes.

Is it a sin not to take notice of, or not to be afflicted with Gods works of Providence, and his dealings with us, and with others, especially the Church?

Yes.

In what Commandment is the holy use of Gods Creatures, and of his Providences and dispensations required?

In the third.