The fifth commandment teaches the duty of subordination to the head of the family, not only on the part of the children themselves, but of every member of the household.  So far as the general interests of the family are concerned, persons residing in it are regarded in the same light as children; subject to all its laws, rules and regulations.  Thus the Lord speaks of Abraham:  “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.”  The principle is here recognized, that Abraham had a right to command, not only his own children, but all his household.  And the same may also be inferred from the language of the fourth commandment.  It is addressed to the head of the family, and enjoins upon him to see that no labor is performed on the Sabbath, by any of his household, not even excepting the stranger that is within his gates.

The duty of the younger members of the family to respect the elder, may be inferred,—­1.  From the nature and fitness of things.  The elder brethren and sisters are the superiors of the younger, in age and experience, and generally in wisdom and knowledge.  They are better qualified to take the lead, and therefore entitled to respect and deference. 2.  The same thing may also be inferred from the precedence always given in Scripture to the first-born.

But the great household duty is LOVE.  If this is properly discharged, it will set all other matters right.  If this is wanting, there will be a lack of everything else.  The Scriptures insist upon the duty of brotherly love.  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Christ, in his sermon on the mount, severely rebukes the indulgence of anger, and the want of kindness and courtesy among brethren.  And the apostle John says, that “whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer.”  A kind, tender-hearted, affectionate, and peaceful temper, should be maintained, in all the intercourse of different members of the same family.

But as mankind began to multiply, it became necessary that the social relations should be extended.  A number of families, residing near each other, formed a neighborhood, or community.  This gave rise to the new relation of neighbor, from the necessity of intercourse between families.  This was again extended, to the formation of nations and kingdoms.  But all these various relations are subject to the same great laws as those of the family; for they have grown out of them.  The same principle which requires subordination to the head of the family, requires also deference to the elders of a community, and subordination to the rulers of the nation.  And the same principle which requires the exercise of kindness, gentleness, meekness, forbearance, condescension and love, between the members of the same family, requires the exercise of similar dispositions between individuals of the same community and nation.  The principle is also still farther extended, embracing the whole world as one great family; and requiring the exercise of love and the practice of benevolence towards all mankind.  “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord’s sake.”  “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”