for the life which we have received from them, and for all their affectionate concern and tender anxieties about us.

Q. 2-How may we know when we honour our father and mother?

A. We may know it by examining our actions, and words and thoughts.

Q. 3. What is meant by honouring them in our actions?

A. The meaning is, that we should do as they bid us. "Children, obey your parents, in all things, for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3. 20.

Q. 4. But is it enough to do what is commanded by them?

A.-No; we should do it in a cheerful and respectful manner; for though we may not be actually disobedient, we greatly dishonour our parents, if we give a pert answer, or a disdainful look, or by any outward gesture shew an unwillingness to submit to them, and a contempt of their authority.

Q. 5.-Is there much said in Scripture on this subject?

i

A. Very much; under the law, God commanded a rebellious and disobedient son to he

toned to death. See Deut. 21. 18, to 21.

And God hath said by his servant Solomon,

The eye that mocketh at his father, and des.. piseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall; eat it." Prov. 30. 17.

Q. 6. Have we any great example of: obe-. dience to parents, in the Scripture ?

A. Yes, the best of all examples; for all that we hear of Christ, during the greatest part of his life, is contained in this short account,. that He was subject unto his Parents," Luke,

2. 51.

Q. 7.-What is meant by honouring our parents with our words ?

A.-The meaning is, not only that we should. always speak to them with respect, but when. we speak about them, to others, we should do it with reverence, and affection.

Q. 8.-Those children must be very naughty then, who speak evil of their parents, and laugh at their infirmities?

A. Yes, they are very naughty; for rather than speak evil of them, we should say nothing; and if ever we speak of their infirmities, it should be with the greatest tenderness, and when we cannot possibly avoid it.

Q. 9-What is meant by honouring our parents in our thoughts ?

A. The meaning is, that we should love them, and think of them with affection, guarding carefully against all unkind, and disrespectful thoughts.

Q. 10. Does God love dutiful children?

A. Yes, he loves them; and has promised to bless them; for when he commands us to honour our father and mother, he adds these words, "That thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

Q. 11-What land is here meant ?

A. The land of Canaan, which God gave to the Israelites; and in which he promised lang life and every earthly blessing to those who obeyed his commandments.

Q. 12.-But does he promise these earthly

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things to us?

A.-No.

The land of Canaan was a type

of heaven and heavenly things.

Long life, in

Canaan, represents everlasting happiness with God, in heaven.

Q13-But may we not expect that God will bless dutiful children in this world?

A.Certainly, he will bless them; but he

does not always give them worldly prosperity, because he does not think it good for them.

Q. 14. Do very good

they are young?

children die when

A. Yes; they are often taken away in mercy to their souls, and removed by death from the dangers to which they would have been exposed here below.

Q. 15. And do wicked children live to be old?

A. Yes; undutiful children often live and prosper in the world; but it is the prosperity of fools which shall destroy them ;" and the curse of God rests upon them in life and death. "Cursed be he that setteth light by his father and mother. And all the people shall say, Amen."* Deut. 27. 16.

Q 16-Does God give no earthly blessings

to dutiful children ?

A. Yes, many. Even in this life, the blessings on a dutiful child are incalculable, and so too are the curses on a disobedient one. Sometimes the blessing and the curse are sudden and visible, but they are generally of a gradual and

secret nature.

Q. 17. Shall we ever fully know what blessings are given to dutiful children?

A-Not in this world; for though we may be sure that every word of God is true, yet we shall not know until the day of judgement, how many blessings children receive in this life aз the rewards of obedience to their parents.

Q 18-Is any child so good that he has never broken this Commandment?

A.-No; when we consider how this Com mandment reaches to the thoughts, and to Our whole behaviour, we must acknowledge, that we have very often sinned against God, and therefore we should repent and pray to God, to forgive us for Christ's sake.

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.

Q. Does the Fifth Commadment (which we last considered, include only the duties of children to their parents?

A. Yes; it teaches us not only to Love, honour, and succour our father and mother,' but also to Honour and obey the king, and all that are put in authority under him; to submit myself to all my teachers, spiritual pastors, and masters, and to order myself lowly, and reverently to all my betters,"