The Third Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Third Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Third Commandment is Section XXXVI of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section concerns the holy use of God's name. Sadler discusses oaths, irreverent speech, perjury, and the broader duty to speak of God with fear and love.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "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." He further explains the section by saying, "Reverence towards God, and the things of God."

Theological Themes

• Holy speech
• Reverence for God's name
• Oaths
• Truthfulness

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Exodus 20:7
• Matthew 5:37
• Romans 1:9
• 2 Corinthians 1:23
• Revelation 10:6
• Psalm 141:3

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's treatment of the baptismal promise to keep God's commandments. It is connected with the Decalogue in the Church Catechism and with the use of the commandments in Anglican moral and liturgical instruction. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Ten Commandments
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Ethics
• Book of Common Prayer