PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

Dail rJ Children.
If children, wben they are grown uV, voluntarily
continue members of their father's family, they are
bound, beside the general duty of gratitude to their
parents, to observe sech regulations of the family as
the father shall appoint; contribute their labour to
its support, if required; and confine themselves to
such expenses as he shall allow. The obligation
would be the same, if they were admitted into any
other family, or received SUppol-t from any other hand.
Ill. After they haw Illtoilled to mtmhood, and hll~
left their father'r family-
In this state of the relation, the duty tel parents is
simply the duty of gratitude; not different in kind,
from that which we owe to any other benefactor ;
in degree, just so Bluch exceeding other obligations,
by how much a parent has been a greater benefactor
than any other friend. The services and attentions,
by which filial gratitude may be testified, can be
comprised within no enumerauon. It will shew itself
in compliances with the will of the parents~
however contrary to the child's own taste or judg ..
ment, provided it be neither criminal, nor totally inconsistent
with his happilless; in a constant endeav.
our to promote their enjoyments, prevent tbeirwish ..
es, and soften their anxieties, in snlall matters as well
as in great; in assisting them in their business; in
contributing to their support, ease, or better accom ..
modation, when their circumstances require it; in af.
fording them our company, in preference to more
amu~ing engagements; in waiting upon their sick.
lless or decrepitude; in bea-ring with the infirmities
of their heahh or temper, with the peevishlless.vd
complaints, the unfashil)Ilable, negligent, austere ....
ners, and offensive habits, which often attend upon
advanced years: for where must old age find indul .. ·
gence, if it do not IDeet with it in the piety and partiality
of children ? , ~
The most serious contentions between parents and
their children, are those commonly which relate to
marriage, or to the choice of a profession.