Question 54

What are we to understand by the Name of God, which we are forbidden in this Commandment to take in vain?

The Name of God, which we are forbidden in this Commandment to take in vain, is to be taken generally and comprehensively for any thing whereby God maketh himself known.

By What doth God make himself known?

God doth make himself known, 1. By his Names which he hath given unto himself in the holy Scriptures, such as God, Lord,^a I am,^b Iehovah,^c Iab, and the like.^d 2. By his Titles, such as Lord of Host,^e Holy one of Israel,^f The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob,^g Creator of the ends of the Earth,^h Preserver of Men,ⁱ The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,^j The King of Nations,^k The King of Saints,^l The God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, The Father of Mercies, The God of all Consolation and Salvation,^m The Hearer of Prayers,ⁿ and the like. 3. By his Attributes, his Infiniteness,^o Eternity,^p and Unchangeableness,^q Power,^r Wisdom,^s and Goodness.^t 4. By his Ordinances,^u Prayer,^v Preaching the Word by Ordained Ministers, or Officers commissioned thereunto,^w and Hearing,^x and the Sacraments.^y 5. By his Word, Law and Gospel.^z 6. By his Works of Creation and Providence.^aa

What doth the third Commandment require in reference unto these things, whereby God makes himself known?

The holy^bb and reverend use of them.^cc

What do you mean by that?

The separate, special, and distinct respect for all such things and Persons as have the Name of God called upon them, and do more immediately relate to his service.