Answ. By father and mother, in the fifth Commandment, are meant not only natural parents; but all the superiors in age, and gifts, and especially such as by GOD’s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or common-wealth.
Quest. CXXV. Why are superiors styled, father and mother?
Answ. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations, and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.
Quest. CXXVI. What is the general scope of the fifth Commandment?
Answ. The general scope of the fifth Commandment, is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.
Quest. CXXVII. What is the honour that inferiors owe to their superiors?
Answ. The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors, is, all due reverence, in heart, word, and behaviour; prayer, and thanksgiving for them, imitation of their virtues and graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands, and counsels, due submission to their corrections, fidelity to, defence, and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honour to them and their government.
Quest. CXXVIII. What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
Answ. The sins of inferiors against their superiors, are, all neglect of the duties required towards them, envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against their persons, and places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections, cursing, mocking, and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government.
In the fifth Commandment, no other relations are mentioned, but father and mother; yet it may be observed,