LETTER IX.
On the duties of subordination. Rules of the Bible. Respectful manners the mark of a lady.
My Friends:
I have shown that the chief way in which the station of a domestic is to be raised in public estimation, is by raising the character of those who occupy this situation. I have shown also, that it is by the formation of a right character, that we are to secure true happiness both in this and in a future life. You will therefore understand the propriety of my attempting to point out the course which you need to take in order to form the right character, and also the proper manner of performing your various duties in life.
In attempting this, I will first direct your attention to what are called the duties of subordination.
By this I mean those duties owed by all
persons to those who have authority, or any right to control and direct them. We all of us know that no kind of work can be well done, unless there are overseers to direct those who work. For this reason, every kind of business is managed by persons, who have authority to control others. The rulers of a nation have a right to direct others in all points where the laws require them so to do. The captain of a ship has authority to command all his hands. The master of a store, or shop, has a right to control all who work in his employ. The teacher of a school has a right to command his scholars in all matters pertaining to his school. The master and mistress of a family, too, have a right to control their children, and also all those persons whom they hire to do their work, in all matters relating to this work.
In all these cases, those who are entitled to direct others should be treated with respect by those who are under their control; and in all those matters where they have a right to command, they should be cheerfully and exactly obeyed.
This duty is constantly, and often enjoined
by God in his Holy Word. “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.” “Obey those that have rule over you.” “Render therefore to all their dues, fear to whom fear, and honour to whom honour is due.”