instructions of the pastor, however, it will not be forgotten to enforce particularly the obligation we are under, of honouring all who are entitled to be denominated fathers, especially our natural fathers, of whom the divine commandment particularly speaks. They are, as it were, representatives of the one, great, immortal, and universal Father: in them we behold the image of our own origin: from them we have received existence: them God made use of to impart to us the soul with all its faculties: by them we have been conducted to the sacraments, formed to society, blessed with education, and instructed in purity and holiness of life. [1]
The pastor will teach that the name of" mother" is also mentioned in this commandment, and with good reason, awakening in us, as it does, a grateful recollection of the benefits which we have received from her; of the claims which she has to our dutiful affection; of the care and solicitude with which she bore us, the pain and travail with which she brought us forth, and the labour and anxiety with which she watched over our infant years.
Moreover, the honour which children are commanded to pay to their parents should be the spontaneous offering of sincere and dutiful love. This respectful regard they challenge upon the strongest titles they who, for love of us, decline no labour, spare no exertion, shrink from no danger; whose highest pleasure it is to indulge in the reflection that they are beloved by their children, the dear objects of their parental solicitude and affection. Joseph, when next to majesty, he enjoyed in Egypt the highest station, and the most ample power, received his father with honour, when he went down into Egypt; [2] Solomon rose to meet his mother as she approached; and having paid her the tribute of filial respect, placed her on a royal throne on his right hand. [3]
We also owe to our parents other duties of respect, such as to supplicate God in their behalf, that they may lead prosperous and happy lives, beloved and esteemed by all who know them, and most pleasing in the sight of God and of his saints. We also honour them by submission to their wishes and inclinations: "My son," says Solomon, "hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother; that grace may be added to thy head, and a chain of gold to thy neck." [4] " Children," says St. Paul, " obey your parents in the Lord, for this is just;" [5] and also, "children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord." [6] This doctrine is confirmed by the example of those who were most eminent for sanctity: Isaac, when bound for sacrifice by his father, meekly obeyed; [7] and the Rechabites, not to depart from the counsel of their fathers, always abstained from wine. [8] We also honour
