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CHAPTER
19
FILIAL
RESPECT
IT
IS a good thing for parents and children to be good friends. It is the correct
thing for a young man to show respect to his father. Not to do so does not
lessen the father’s dignity, but shows that the son does not know what is good
form. A young girl should give her mother the deference due her. It is
undeniable that the young sometimes possess qualities their elders have not,
talents being inborn. A girl may be a better housekeeper than her mother, a
better accountant, or be more accomplished; but if she exhibits her talents in
such a way as to imply a contempt for her mother, it will only make onlookers
dislike her in spite of her ability. Remember
that to be a good son or a good daughter is a lovable trait, and inclines others
to like you. The old adage that “a good son makes a good husband” is so true
that no one can afford to forget it. It is good for children to speak even more
lovingly and respectfully of their parents in their absence than in their
presence. This will endear you to others, for it shows a true heart. It
is the correct thing for children to accept their parents’ judgment as worthy
of respect, if only because they have traveled so much farther on in life and
necessarily know more of its pitfalls and snares. It is good when in society for
a young man to give his mother as much attention and show her as much courtesy
as if she were his sweetheart. Among highly bred persons you will always find
this the custom. At your father’s dinner-table, to let him speak and tell his
own tales without your interruption shows good manners. If your generation is
much more enlightened than his, it will not justify you in showing him any
disrespect; and perhaps, for all you know, the guests may really prefer his
conversation. Be
frank, honest, and truthful with your parents. Always be a kind, obedient,
loving, dutiful child, and you will never regret it, “Honor thy father and
mother, which is the first commandment with promise’’ (Ephesians 6:2).
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