THE NAME OF GOD IS MENTIONED IN THE OATH AGAIN

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania decided some time ago to drop the name of God from the oath which is taken from the foreman of the jury. A committee of 13 judges and lawyers formed the opening clause of the oath as follows: “You, as foreman solemnly swear …

But Judge William F. Cercone of the Allegheny District returned to the practice of using God’s name and changed the formula to “You, as foreman, solemnly swear by Almighty God … and added the closing words … “as you shall have to answer to God on the last day.”

Judge Cercone gave the following commentary on this change: “This nation was founded upon a faith in God, and has prospered thereby.” He said he felt that a reference to God strengthened the import and the sanctity of the oath, and cannot conflict with the policy of keeping a separation between Church and State.

We must be glad when there is an acknowledging of God, the Supreme King of the whole earth. If the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit there is a high respect for the most high and lofty God.

Swearing an oath is in the first place a public confession of God, whom we confess to be omniscient, almighty, holy and righteous, who therefore alone posseses the power to bless and punish us.

We appreciate the decision of the judge, but we must realize and consider, that the Lord said in His Holy Word, “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecc. 12:13.

We are creatures of the Lord and we must honor Him in calling upon His holy name. That is in our personal life, but it is also necessary in Church and State. It is not to please man, not at all, we are obliged to do this, but because the Lord requires this of us. May the Lord teach and instruct us personally what we read in Isaiah 65:16 and also in Psalm 119:106.

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