of him that sweareth falsely by my name, and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof (Zach, v. 3, 4; comp. Ezech. xvii.).
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.
Accordingly, a vow is: 1. A real promise, by which we deliberately bind ourselves, and not a mere desire or resolution; 2. A promise made to God, because it is to God alone we make vows; and 3. A promise to do something that is agreeable to God; therefore it cannot be anything trifling, sinful, or injurious to others, nor anything good in itself, but by which something better is prevented or higher duties neglected.
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.
1'And Jacob made a vow, saying: If God shall be with me, and I shall return prosperously to my father's house, of all things that Thou shalt give to me, I will offer tithes to Thee' (Gen. xxviii. 20-22). 2 'Anna made a vow, saying: O Lord of
