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13. When a person has sworn to do something evil, or to omit something that is good, is he bound to keep such an oath?

No; for as it was a sin to take such an oath, so it would be another sin to keep it. — Example: Herod (Mark vi. 23-28).

14. What do you mean by cursing?

Cursing means to wish any evil either to ourselves 01 to our neighbor, or to any of God's creatures, whereby the name of God is frequently dishonored.

Cursing is something very hateful, which betrays a rude, angry temper. From the mouth of a Christian or child of God nothing but 'blessing' ought to come forth (1 Pet. iii. 9). Cursing is at the same time an oath, when we call upon God to punish us if we speak an untruth.

15. What is a vow?

A vow is a voluntary promise made to God to do something that is agreeable to Him, although there be no obligation to do it.

16. What does the Church teach with regard to vows?

1. That they please God, because they are voluntary offerings made to Him. Thus God kindly accepted the vows of the Patriarch Jacob,1 and of the pious Anna, the mother of Samuel,2 and granted their petitions.