It is our duty to obey our parents. That is, to do
always what they tell us to do. All that we have is given to us by our parents
-- food. Clothing and education. They tend us when we are too young to do
anything for ourselves. They watch over us in times of sickness. Provide for
our amusement, teach us the principles of their religion, and guard us from
evil influences. Obedience is a very’ simple way of showing gratitude for these
benefits. It is a way that is well within the reach of the young infant as well
as the full-grown son.
Parents are not only the providers of benefits, but
are the guides of their children in all the relations of life. There may be
cases where a father and a mother prove themselves unworthy of their children’s
regale: but it is usually found that parents are as solicitous for their children’s
well-fare as their own. Being adults and having experience of the world, they
are in a position to form better judgments than their children. Therefore not
only is it the duty of a child to obey his parents, but in doing so he is consulting
his best interest. Just as the boy who would learn to read must attend to the
instructions of his teacher. So those who wish to grow up into honest and
useful men must follow the dictates of their parents. The captain, when
entering a strange port. Trusts to the pilot to guide his ship safely. One parent
is our pilots. We sail in strange waters. And our safety depends on submission
to the directions of those who are more experience. We are not always
well-advised in our choice of companion. When the time comes for us to decide
what trade or profession we are to follow, when misunderstanding and
perplexities arise, then our parents step in and say that this thing or that
thing should be done: and it is our duty to obey implicitly, for love and experience
combine to give value to their advice.
Examples of disobedient sons and daughters are but
too common in this world. And very regrettable have often been the results of
this disobedience. In former times, among the Romans, it was considered a serious
crime, and the father might, if he was no minded punish it by death. One of the
Ten Commandments given by
God was: “Honor the father and thy mother, that thy days may
be long in this land which the Lord thy God gives these.” Disobedience is base
ingratitude, and one of the greatest cruelties a child can inflict upon a
parent who has toiled for years his sake, and lavished upon him all his
affections, regardless of self.
It is a crime which brings its own punishment. How
bitter must be the remorse of one whom, standing by the deathbed of a parent. Remembers
all that parent’s love and constant unselfishness, which ha e been repaid by
disregard for his wishes and outspoken contempt for his orders!