Q1. "Who are meant by father and mother in the Fifth Commandment?"

A. "Not only natural parents, but all 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 commonwealth."80

Q2. "Why are superiors styled father and mother?"

A. "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."81

Q3. "What is the general scope of the Fifth Commandment?"

A. It "is the performance of those duties we mutually owe in our several relations."82

Q4. What are the RELATIONS in which we stand to each other?

A. All mankind stand related to each other, either as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

Q5. Who are our superiors?

A. All that are above us in office, place, or dignity.

Q6. Who are meant by inferiors?

A. Such as are subject to others, or below them in station or gifts.

Q7. Whom do you understand by equals?

A. Such as are of like age and condition in the world.

Q8. What is the general duty required in this commandment?

A. It is HONOUR: Honour thy father and thy mother.

Q9. What is meant by the honour here required?

A. All inward regard and esteem, manifested by outward tokens of respect, Rom. 12:10, reverence, chap. 13:7, and obedience, Heb. 13:17.

Q10. What is the rule and measure of that obedience and submission, which is due from inferiors to their superiors?

A. The law of God; for, when any thing is enjoined contrary to it, the fixed rule is, "to obey God rather than men," Acts 4:19, and 5:29.

Q11. What is it that procures honour from one person to another?

A. It is something of eminence, excellency, or worth, that is discernible in them, Acts 10:25.

Q12. Are there not different degrees of external honour due to some beyond others?

A. Yes; according to the different office and stations in which God places them in the world, 1 Tim. 5:1, 2.

Q13. What is that degree of honour which the meanest and lowest part of mankind are entitled to from the greatest and highest?

A. It is to be esteemed and regarded by them, in proportion as they are necessary and useful, Eph. 6:9.

Q14. Why are we commanded to honour all men? 1 Pet. 2:17.

A. Because there are few or none, in whom we may not observe some gift or other in which they are superior to us, if we were to judge ourselves humbly and impartially, Phil. 2:3.

Q15. Are men to be honoured according to their riches.

A. No; but according as they employ their riches, in some measure, for the good of others, either in the church or commonwealth, 1 Tim. 6:17, 18.

Q16. What are the several relations in which duties are mutually to be performed, according to this commandment?

A. They are such as subsist between parents and children; magistrates and subjects; ministers and people; husbands and wives; masters and servants; and likewise between those who have a greater or less degree of gifts and graces.

Q17. Who are they that have the first and natural right to honour and respect

A. NATURAL PARENTS; fathers and mothers.

Q18. Is equal honour and regard due from children to their mother as to their father?

A. Yes, surely; and therefore, to prevent any difference, in respect of esteem, reverence, and obedience, she is named before the father, in Lev. 19:3 - "Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father."

Q19. What are the duties of parents to their children?

A. To train them up for God, Proverbs 22:6, in the knowledge and profession of the true religion, Deut. 6:7; to teach them by example as well as precept Psalm 101:2, 3; to be careful in applying suitable and seasonable correction to their faults, Proverbs 13:24, and 19:18, and 23:13, 14; to provide for them according to their ability, 2 Cor. 12:14; and to be earnest in prayer to God for a blessing upon them, Gen. 48:15, 16.

Q20. What are the duties of children to their parents?

A. To love them dearly, Gen. 46:29; to esteem and think highly of them in their minds, Lev. 19:3; Mal. 1:6; to hearken to their counsels; Proverbs 4:1, and obey their lawful commands, Eph. 6:1; to submit patiently to their corrections, Heb. 12:9; and to succour and relieve them in case of poverty and want, Gen. 47:12, especially in old age, Ruth 4:15.

Q21. May children dispose of themselves in marriage without the knowledge or consent of their parents?

A. No; as appears from the charge given by Abraham, concerning his son Isaac, Gen. 24:3, 4, and that of Isaac to Jacob, chap. 28:1, 2; but if children should dispose of themselves without the knowledge and consent of their parents, they act contrary to the honour, deference, and gratitude they owe to them, as Esau did, Gen. 26:34, 35.

Q22. What are the duties of magistrates towards their subjects?

A. To establish good laws, 2 Kings 18:4, and see them impartially executed, Rom. 13:3, 4; to protect their subjects in their religion, lives, and liberties, 1 Pet. 2:14; and to be nursing fathers to the church, Isaiah 49:23.

Q23. What is the duty of the magistrate with reference to the church of Christ?

A. Although he "may not assume to himself the administration of word and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven, yet he hath authority, and it is his duty to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the church, - that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, - that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, - all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented and reformed, - and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed."83

Q24. What are the duties of subjects towards their magistrates?

A. To honour and reverence them, 2 Sam. 9:6; to obey their just laws, Eccl. 8:2; to pay them the tribute that is due to them, Rom. 13:7; to pray for them, 1 Tim. 2:1, 2; and to support and defend their persons and authority, 1 Sam. 26:15, 16; Esth. 6:2.

Q25. Are subjects bound to be obsequious to the lawful commands of magistrates, who are of a different religion from them?

A. "Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him."84

Q26. What are the duties of ministers to their people?

A. Diligently to study, 1 Tim. 4:15; and faithfully to preach the gospel, 2 Tim. 4:2; not shunning to declare to them all the counsel of God, Acts 20:27; to evidence their own belief of their doctrine, by a holy and exemplary walk, 1 Tim. 4:12; to watch for their souls as they that must give account, Heb. 13:17; and to pray much for them, Rom. 1:9. All which duties require their ordinary residence among them, 1 Pet. 5:2.

Q27. What are the duties of people to their ministers?

A. To "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake," 1 Thess. 5:13; to "strive together" in their prayers to God for them, Rom. 15:30, that they may be enabled to "give them their portion of meat in due season," Luke 12:42; to attend diligently upon the ordinances dispensed by them, Heb. 10:25; to defend their character and doctrine against unjust calumnies and reproaches, 1 Tim. 5:19; and to make a competent and comfortable provision for them, Gal. 6:6.

Q28. What are the duties mutually incumbent upon husband and wife.

A. The most tender and affectionate love, on both sides, Eph. 5:28-33; the strictest fidelity to the marriage-bed and covenant, Matt. 5:28; and the promoting the temporal and spiritual welfare of each other, 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:7.

Q29. What are the duties of masters to their servants?

A. To be meek and gentle towards them, forbearing threatening, Eph. 6:9; to instruct them in the principles of religion, Gen. 18:19; to see to their external observance of the Sabbath, Ex. 20:10; and to pay them punctually their wages, Deut. 24:15.

Q30. What are the duties of servants to their masters?

A. To be diligent and faithful in their master's work, "not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but - with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men," Eph. 6:6, 7; to "obey in all things their masters according to the flesh," Col. 3:22; and to "please them well in all things, not answering again," Titus 2:9.

Q31. Are masters and servants on earth, subject to one common Lord and Master in heaven?

A. Yes; and therefore they ought to behave towards one another, as in his sight; for there is "no respect of persons with him," Eph. 6:9.

Q32. What are the duties of those who have a larger measure of gifts and graces conferred upon them, towards such as have a less share of the same?

A. To be exemplary in humility and self-denial, Gen. 32:10, as having nothing but what they have received, 1 Cor. 4:7; to be communicative of what the Lord has freely given them, Matt. 10:8; and improve their talents for the benefit of themselves and others, chap. 25:16.

Q33. What are the duties of such as are weaker in gifts and graces, towards those who are stronger?

A. To be followers of them in so far as they are of Christ, 1 Cor. 11:1; to be willing to learn from their experiences, Heb. 6:12; and to "covet earnestly the best gifts," 1 Cor. 12:31.

Q34. What is the duty of the younger towards the aged?

A. To honour and respect them, especially if the hoary head be found in the way of righteousness, Proverbs 16:31; "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man," Lev. 19:32.

Q35. What are the duties of equals to one another?

A. To provoke each other "unto love and good works," Heb. 10:24; to "be kindly affectioned one to another, in honour preferring one another," Rom. 12:10.

Q36. What is the fruit and consequence of the conscientious performance of these relative duties?

A. Hereby outward peace and concord will be better maintained between man and man, 1 Pet. 3:10, 11; and likewise the members of Christ's body will be knit more closely to one another in love, 1 John 4:7.

Q1. Is it the duty of children to reverence their parents?

A. Yes: Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, Lev. 19:3.

Q2. And must they give honour to them?

A. Yes: If I be a father, where is my honour? Mal. 1:6.

Q3. And may they upon no account despise them?

A. No: Despise not thy mother when she is old, Prov. 23:22.

Q4. Ought they to carry themselves respectfully towards them?

A. Yes: King Solomon rose up to meet his mother, and bowed himself to her, 1 Kings 2:19.

Q5. And to speak honourably of them?

A. Yes: Her children rose up, and called her blessed, Prov. 31:28.

Q6. Is it the duty of children to obey their parents?

A. Yes: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, Eph. 6:1.

Q7. And to receive their instructions?

A. Yes: Hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother, Prov. 1:8.

Q8. And to submit to their correction?

A. Yes: The fathers of our flesh corrected us, and we gave them reverence, Heb. 12:9.

Q9. Should children labour to rejoice the hearts of their parents?

A. Yes: My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, Prov. 23:15.

Q10. And to requite them?

A. Yes: Let them show piety at home, and requite their parents, 1 Tim. 5:4.

Q11. And to have their consent in disposing of themselves?

A. Yes: Jacob obeyed his father, and his mother, and went to Padan-aram, for a wife, Gen 28:7.

Q12. Is Christ an example of this subjection?

A. Yes: For he went with his parents to Nazareth, and was subject to them, Luke 2:51.

Q13. Is it the duty of children to be respectful to the aged?

A. Yes: Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, Lev. 19:32.

Q14. And must they be observant of their teachers?

A. Yes: For they will mourn at the last, who obey not the voice of their teachers, and incline not their ear to them that instruct them, Prov. 5:11,13.

Q15. And must they order themselves lowly and reverently to all their betters?

A. Yes: Ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder, 1 Pet. 5:5.

Q16. Is it the duty of parents to be tender of their children?

A. Yes; For can a woman forget her sucking child? Isa. 49:15.

Q17. And mild toward them?

A. Yes; For a father pities his children, Ps. 103:13.

Q18. And to bear with them?

A. Yes: As a man spares his son that serves him, Mal. 3:17.

Q19. And yet must they correct them when it is necessary?

A. Yes; For he that spares his rod hates his son; but he that loves him, chastens him betimes, Prov. 13:24.

Q20. Is it the duty of parents to pray for their children?

A. Yes: Job offered for his sons burnt-offerings, according to the number of them all, Job 1:5.

Q21. And to bless God for them?

A. Yes: They are the children which God hath graciously given thy servant, Gen. 33:5.

Q22. Are they to bless them in the name of the lord?

A. Yes: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, Heb. 11:20.

Q23. And are they to provide for them what is convenient?

A. Yes: If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. 5:8.

Q24. Is it the duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God?

A. Yes: Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6:4.

Q25. And to teach them the things of God?

A. Yes: Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, Deut. 6:7.

Q26. And to oblige them to their duty?

A. Yes: I know Abraham, that he will command his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18:19.

Q27. And ought they to set them a good example?

A. Yes: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart, Ps. 101:2.

Q28. And must they patiently part with their children when God calls for them?

A. Yes: Thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, Gen. 22:16.

Q29. Is it the duty of servants to honour their masters and mistresses?

A. Yes: Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour, 1 Tim. 6:1.

Q30. Is it their duty to obey them?

A. Yes: Servants be obedient to them that are your masters, Eph. 6:5.

Q31. And to be just and true to them?

A. Yes: Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, Titus 2:10.

Q32. Ought they to be diligent in the duty of their place though they suffer unjustly?

A. Yes: Servants be subject not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, 1 Pet. 2:18.

Q33. And must they have an eye to God in all?

A. Yes: As to the Lord, and not to men, Col. 3:23.

Q34. Is it the duty of masters to be just to their servants?

A. Yes: Masters give to your servants that which is just and equal, Col. 4:1.

Q35. And to be gentle towards them?

A. Yes: Forbearing threatening, Eph. 6:9.

Q36. Should all masters of families worship God with their families?

A. Yes: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Josh. 24:15.

Q37. And should they restrain sin in their families?

A. Yes: Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacle, Job 22:28.

Q38. Is it the duty of wives to be respectful to their husbands?

A. Yes: Let the wife see that she reverence her husband, Eph. 5:33.

Q39. And to love them?

A. Yes: They must love their husbands, and love their children, Tit. 2:4.

Q40. Must they be submissive to their husbands?

A. Yes: Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord, Col. 3:18.

Q41. Must they be faithful and obedient to them?

A. Yes: They must be chaste keepers at home, obedient to their own husbands, Tit. 2:5.

Q42. Must they receive instruction from them?

A. Yes: If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, 1 Cor. 14:35.

Q43. Must they be helpers to them in religion?

A. Yes: That they may be won by the conversation of the wives, 1 Pet. 3:1.

Q44. Is it the duty of husbands to love their wives?

A. Yes: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them Col. 3:19.

Q45. Must they love them dearly?

A. Yes: Let every one love his wife even as himself, Eph. 5:33.

Q46. And delight in them?

A. Yes: Rejoice with the wife of thy youth, Prov. 5:18, 19.

Q47. And be tender of them?

A. Yes: Giving honour to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, 1 Pet. 3:7.

Q48. Is it the duty of husbands and wives to be pleasing one to another?

A. Yes: He that is married careth how to please his wife, and she that is married how to please her husband, 1 Cor. 7:33,34.

Q49. Is it their duty to live in the fear of God, and to pray together?

A. Yes: As heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered, 1 Pet. 3:7.

Q50. Should they promote the eternal salvation one of another?

A. Yes: What knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 1 Cor. 7:16.

Q51. Is it the duty of subjects to reverence their magistrates?

A. Yes: Fear God, honour the king, 1 Pet. 2:17.

Q52. And to obey them in the Lord?

A. Yes: We must be subject to principalities and powers, and obey magistrates, Tit. 3:1.

Q53. And to be loyal to them?

A. Yes: For the powers that be are ordained of God, Rom. 13:1.

Q54. Is it our duty to pray for magistrates?

A. Yes: For kings, and for all that are in authority, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Q55. And to pay them tribute?

A. Yes: Tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, Rom. 13:7.

Q56. Must we be peaceable under their government?

A. Yes: That we under them may lead a quiet and peaceable life, 1 Tim. 2:2.

Q57. And all this conscientiously?

A. Yes: Ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake, Rom. 13:5.

Q58. Ought magistrates to be as parents to their subjects?

A. Yes: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers, Isa. 49:23.

Q59. Is it the duty of people to love and respect their ministers?

A. Yes: Know them which labour among you, and esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake, 1 Thess. 5:12,13.

Q60. Ought they to submit to their instructions?

A. Yes: Obey your guides, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, Heb. 13:7.

Q61. And to provide for their comfortable subsistence?

A. Yes: Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, Gal. 6:6.

Q62. And ought ministers to be as spiritual fathers to their people?

A. Yes: We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1 Thess. 2:11.

Q63. Is it the duty of equals to be kind one to another?

A. Yes: Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, Rom. 12:10.

Q64. And to be respectful one to another?

A. Yes: In honour preferring one another, Rom. 12:10.

Q65. And to be submissive one to another?

A. Yes: Yea, all of ye, be subject one to another, 1 Pet. 5:5.