Excerpt from The Floral Offering, and Gems of Beauty: Richly Embellished

The fifth commandment is in unison with nature; it is but the embodiment of its dictates. It is remarkable that this is the only commandment coupled with a promise, doubtless to intimate that the faithful discharge of filial obli ligations is the most effectual means of securing the smiles of a benignant Providence. It has been observed that dis obedient children generally come to an untimely end, or meet with such heavy disappointments and misfortunes, as to make life itself a burden. How short was the guilty career of Absolem how fearful and melancholy its termina tion. The conduct of those who break such cords of love is so unnatural and so base, that they have little else to expect than the frowns of Heaven and the detestation of man kind. They have no reason to expect that they will receive the common marks of civility from others, who have been thus ungrateful to the authors of their being and their great est benefactors.

None have received benefits so great and numerous, as children have from their parents, many of which were he stowed without their knowledge, and many even contrary to their wishes. Day and night, and amidst the numerous and formidable dangers that beset the pathway of life, they have been blessed with their watchful superintendence and powerful protection. In the most defenceless and most exposed period of life, when they had no knowledge or experience to guide their steps, their eyes have never slum bered, their feet have never tired, their love has never grown cold, .a11d they never once stopped to enquire whether we should ever have it in our power, or be disposed to repay them for all their toil and care. Though it were more than probable we might not live to return their kindness, they have been as careful of our health and happiness as of their own; nay, more so. Late and early, in summers heat and winters cold, in weariness and in watching, they have toiled for.us, sparing no pains and shunning no sacrifices, to pro mote our happiness, and render our future condition in the world as respectable and comfortable as possible.

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