1. In divulging their secrets; and that either as to what respects the affairs of their families, or their secular callings in the world.
2. In mocking, reproaching, or exposing their infirmities. Thus it is said, The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it, Prov. xxx. 17.
3. In endeavouring to make disturbance or disorders in families, or the common-wealth, through discontent with their station as inferiors, or a desire to rule over those to whom they ought to be in subjection.
4. Servants sin, in neglecting to fulfil their contract, or do the service which they engaged to perform, when they first entered into that relation. Or when they are only disposed to perform the duties incumbent on them, when they are under their master’s eye, having no sense of common justice, or their obligation to approve themselves to God, in performing the duties they owe to man. Thus the apostle exhorts servants, to be obedient to them which are their masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ. Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, Eph. vi. 5, 6.
5. Children sin, by being unnatural to their parents, who refuse or neglect to maintain them if they need it, especially when they are aged; whereby they will appear to have no sense of gratitude, for past favours, nor regard to that duty which nature obliges them to perform.
Quest. CXXIX., CXXX., CXXXI., CXXXII., CXXXIII.
Quest. CXXIX. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
Answ. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, pray for, and bless their inferiors; to instruct, counsel, and admonish them; countenancing, commending, and rewarding such as do well; discountenancing, reproving, and chastising such as do ill; protecting, and providing for them all things necessary for soul, and body; and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, honour to themselves, and so to preserve the authority which God hath put upon them.
Quest. CXXX. What are the sins of superiors?
Answ. The sins of superiors are, beside the neglect of the duties required of them, and inordinate seeking of themselves, their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure; commanding things unlawful, or not in the power of inferiors to perform; counselling, encouraging, or favouring them in that which is evil, dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; correcting them unduly, careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; provoking them to wrath; or any way dishonouring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour.