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THE Second Commandment of the Decalogue is, " Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." It prohibits all irreverent use of the name of God, blasphemy, unlawful oaths, and violation of vows. Inasmuch as it is virtually positive, it commands us, always to speak of God with reverence and respect.

WE take God's name in vain and break the Second Commandment when we use the word " God " as an exclamation of wonder or impatience, or merely as an interjection in such phrases as " good God," " my God," " by God." If these phrases are used at fitting times and with due reverence they are, of course, not sinful but meritorious; the sin consists in using them without due reverence, too frequently, and merely as expletives, for such an abuse of the holy name of God shows a want of reverence to him and is displeasing to him.

This irreverence, however, is not grave, and so the sin of taking God's name in vain is of itself only venial; indeed, want of advertence will often prevent it from being even venially sinful. Still, care should be taken to correct any bad habit that may have been contracted in this matter.

What has been said of the name of God may be applied with due proportion to those of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints.