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THE RELATIVE DUTIES OF MANKIND. [Part III.

whatever else can contribute to the comfort and gratification ofparents. A long and prosperous life is promised to childrenwho render this honor to their parents, a reward more earnestlyand universally coveted by mankind, than riches, beauty, glory,or any other object which they are accustomed to desire. Andthat God, in his providence, is accustomed to fulfil this promisein its literal import , has been believed by many persons whohave had enlarged experience and extensive opportunities ofobserving human affairs.* Dr. Dwight says, “ No small meas-ure of prosperity seems ordinarily interwoven with a course offilial piety. The comfort which it insures to parents, the har-mony which it produces in the family, the peace which it yieldsto the conscience, are all essential ingredients of happiness.To these,” continues he, “ it adds the approbation of every be-holder, the possession of a fair and lasting reputation ; the con-fidence and good-will of every worthy man ; and of consequence,an opportunity of easily gaining those useful employments whichworthy men have to give. Beyond this, it naturally associateswith itself that temperance, moderation, and sobriety, whichfurnish a solid foundation for health and long life. On the tideof Providence, multiplied blessings are borne into its posses-sion, at seasons when they are unexpected, in ways unforeseen,and by means unprovided by its own forecast, which are oftenof high importance ; which altogether constitute a rich propor-tion of prosperity, and which usually are not found by personsof a contrary character.”! I may add, that the practice of themoral virtues, to which the honoring of parents naturally leadsthe way, contributes to health and length of life, at least as muchas air, climate, local situation, and other physical circumstanceson which we more habitually rely.

Again, St. Paul says, “ Children, obey your parents in theLord, for this is right. Obey your parents in all things, for thisis well pleasing unto the Lord.”! I 1 ma y well to expandthe apostolic injunctions into two or three particulars.

Children are required to regard their parents with special

* See Dwight’s Theology, Vol. IV. p. 98.X Ephesians vi. 1; Colossians iii. 20.

t Ibidem.