The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-02
For THE CENTRAL PREsBrrERIAN.
FILIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

such way, that the duties, and even the
trials which result from then, are not only
tolerable but pleasant.
The parental relation implies the highest
possible degree of that feeling which seeks
the good of the object of our care, the pro-
motion of his happiness, the cultivation of
his mind and the formation Of his habits.
The flial relation requires, in an equal
degree, respect, affection, submission and
confidence Difference to parental control,
and due consideration of parental comfort.
The feelings which flow from these rela-
tion8, ana bind the domestic circle together,
have in them leat of earth S,sn heaven
Indeed, the well ordained, well instructed,
we'll governed Christian family presents the
fairest and fullest representation of heavenly
state seen anywhere on earth.
The divine wisdom and goodness are dis
tinctly seen in the separation of the human
race into small communities called families.
AS the exercise of wholesome authority, and
submission to that authority, are indispenSa-
bic to the well being of race of sinners,
how could this great end be SO well attained
as by the present arrangement. The Pa
triarchal was the first, and in many respects
the best form of government ever known
among men. Well administered, this would
almost render all other governments need
less. They who learn to act well their
parts in the social circle, will be very likely
to do so every where else. On the contrary,
they who fail here are likely to fail every
where.
Having said much of parental, | now pro-
pose to say something of flal responsibility
for they are reciprocal.
The first inquiry in all cases should be,
what do the Scriptures teach on the sub
ject? And here we may we'll admire the
great goodness of God in condescending, as
he does, to specify so minutely the private
and relative duties of life. That cannot be
of small consequence which God has made
so prominent in his Word.
And first, we find filial responsibility hold
ing prominent placein the decalogue. The
fifth commandment is in these words
"Honor thy father and thy mother; that
thy days may be long upon the land which
the Lord thy God giveth thee
The Apostle Paul, referring to this com
mandment says, "Children obey your par
ents in the Lord; for this is right. Homo,
thy father and mother (which is the first
commandment with promise, that it may be
well with thee, and thou maye8t live long on
the earth"
The same apostle says to the Colossians.
Children, obey your parents in all things,
for this is well pleasing to the Lord" Then
we have the language of tender expOstula-
ton, "My son, hear the instruction of thy
father, and forsake not the law of thy moth
er." Again, God speaks in bitter denuncia
ton of ga generation that curseth then
father, and that doth not bless their moth
er."
Perhaps, in no language and on no subjec
can be found words so strong and so terrific
as the following: "The eye that mocketE
at his father, and despiseth to obey hi
mother, the ravens of the valley shall picl
it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. -
The sin thus terribly denounced ant
threatened, is looking with scornful indifer
ence on ones parents. To say nothing o
disreSpectful words, or of unbecoming con
duct, such is God's'abhorrence of disrespec
to parents, that he threatens with the sores
punishment, even the sour, the sullen, thu
disrespectful look.
1t is also said, off any widow have chill
dren, let them learn first to show piety a
home and requite their parents" 1t is al
in vain for any son or daughter to seem re
ligious abroad, while at home he is ill.na
tured, unkind, or rebelliouS.
One of the first great lessons whicl
children should learn is, to knows and keel
their place. GA time for every thing ant
every thing in its time-a place for ever.
thing, and every thing in its place" With
out regard to this old, true maxim, society
could not exist for amomene The HUSBAND
and wife, the parent and child, the ruler AM
subject, the master and servant, have eacl
their appropriate place tOfll and their appro
pirate duties to perform. One must no
trench upon, nor in any way interfere wit
another. The moment this is done, one o
the fundamental laws of nature and of ma
lures God is violated, aud confusion an
ruin must soon ensue. 1t is with society i
general and with each family in particular
as it is with piece of complicated machine
ry; every part must keep It's appropriat
place or mischief must be the result.
This being SO, none are fitted to be pal
ents who do not fully comprehend and dul
appreciate both the parental and flial relo
ton.
Before entering upon specification c
the obligations binding upon the child,
! shall close this number with an incider
which may interest and instruct your youn
readers.
A late writer observes, 81 knew Ettl
! boy at school whose father was dead. q
. was one day writing as copy, Honor tn
father and mother He wrote few lin,