good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." 1 Timothy

vi. 18.

Q. In what manner must we discharge this duty, to be acceptable to God?

A. With promptitude, with liberality, with cheerfulness, and for the love of God; not reluctantly, from vanity, or any selfish motive. 2 Cor. ix. God loveth a cheerful giver. And our enemies even are not to be excepted.Rom. xii. 20. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Q. In what manner must we promote the spiritual welfare of our neighbour?

A. We should use all possible means to incite him to piety, especially we should afford our example. Hebrews x. 14. "Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works." And we should reprove those whom we see in the paths of error and vice. Thess. v. 14. "Now we beseech you, brethren, warn them that are unruly." Gal. vi. 1. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.”

Q. In what manner should we reprove

another?

A. With zeal and sincerity, with prudence and discretion, with love and gentleness. Q. Wherein do we fail in this branch of du ty?

A. When we have not courage to reprove an offender, or when we give our countenance and

approbation to evil persons, or flatter their vices. Q. What precept have we for giving our example to others?

A. Christ has said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they seeing your good works, may glorify your father which is in heaven." Matth. v. 16.

Q. What other fruit of Charity has been named?

A. Seeking to be at peace with our neighbour.

Q. Is the practice of this a necessary duty?

A. It is necessary, for the glory of God, for the edification of the church, and for our own happiness. Christ has given it as one of the characteristics of the children of God. "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matth. v. 9.

Q. With whom are we to be at peace?

A. With all men. "If it be possible, as much us lieth in you live peaceably with all men." Rom. xii. 18. But we should especially be at peace with believers. "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Ephes. iv. 3.

Q. What is the sum of all we have said concerning Charity.

A. That it comprehends every social duty and virtue, and that it controls every passion and disposition opposed to them, according to the character which St. Paul gives it. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; Charity envieth not: Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not

her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth." 1 Cor. xiii. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

CHAPTER VI.

Of Particular duties to Men.

Q. What other duties do we owe to our fellow men, beside the general obligations of justice and charity, of which we have spoken ?

A. There are various duties which we owe to others individually, according to the relations in which we are placed with them. St. Paul exhorts “to render to every man his due."

Q. What are the first of social duties?

A. They are filial duties, or such as we owe to our father and mother. These are prescribed in the fifth commandment. "Honor thy father and mother."

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Q. To whom is this command addressed? A. To all persons, adults as well as children. Q. What duties are comprised in this com mand?

A. The duties of respect, love, obedience and assistance.

Q. In what manner is this respect shewn?

A. By acknowledging the authority of pa rents; by humility and gentleness in words and actions; by submission to their remonstrances`` or chastisements, and bearing with their infirmities and defects.

Q. What is the nature of the love due to parents?

A. The love which is due to parents is a warm and sincere affection, such alone is a proper return for all their pains, cares, and affection for their offspring.

Q. What are the obligations of this love?

A. Children are bound by it to use their endeavours by every means, to promote the comfort and happiness of their parents, adding their prayers to all other means.

Q. What is the nature of obedience to parents?

A. It is prompt and cheerful submission to their will. "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph. vi. 1. This duty is always binding except when the commands of parents are contrary to religion and justice. Q. In what case is it the duty of children to assist their parents ?

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A. When they are in distress, poverty, or sickness; in old age, or in any other state that. requires aid.

Q. How are these duties to parents enforced?

A. God has implanted a sense of them in nature; religion requires the performance of them, and God has moreover sanctioned them, by promising a blessing to those who honor their father and mother. Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Q. What is the meaning of this promise? A. To the Jews it conveyed literally and merely the promise of temporal blessings in the land of Canaan.

Q. Has this promise any relation to Christians?

A. Although it especially pledged temporal blessings to the Jews, we have reason to think that God continues to bless and reward those who are obedient to this command, by temporal as well as spiritual blessings. "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come." 1 Tim. iv. 8.

Q. What does the promise annexed to this command, teach us?

A. That the duty it prescribes is most pleasing to God, since he has attached a peculiar blessing to it, as St. Paul remarks, “ Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise." Eph. vi. 2.

Q. Is this command connected with a threatening against the disobedient?

A. Yes; God threatens such with his wrath and curse, and even commanded the Jews to take the life of sinful and disobedient children. Deut. xxi. 21.

Q. What is the duty of Parents?

A. It is to love their children, to pray for them, to furnish what is necessary for their comfort and support, to educate and instruct them in such a manner as to render them useful and happy in this life, and happy in that which is to come.

Q. In what manner are they to educate their children?

A. The first object in education is to in

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