Indeed,we feel our misfortune,we murmur and complain of unfaithfulness,violence,and injustice,but will not see that we ourselves are knaves who have fully deserved this punishment,and yet are not thereby reformed.We will have no favor and happiness,therefore it is but fair that we have nothing but misfortune without mercy.There must still be somewhere upon earth some godly people because God continues to grant us so much good!On our own account we should not have a farthing in the house nor a straw in the field.All this I have been obliged to urge with so many words,in hope that some one may take it to heart,that we may be relieved of the blindness and misery in which we are steeped so deeply,and may truly understand the Word and will of God,and earnestly accept it.For thence we would learn how we could have joy,happiness,and salvation enough,both temporal and eternal.
Thus we have two kinds of fathers presented in this commandment,fathers in blood and fathers in office,or those to whom belongs the care of the family,and those to whom belongs the care of the country.
Besides these there are yet spiritual fathers;not like those in the Papacy,who have indeed had themselves called thus,but have performed no function of the paternal office.For those only are called spiritual fathers who govern and guide us by the Word of God;as St.Paul boasts his fatherhood 1Cor.4,15,where he says:In Christ Jesus I hove begotten you through the Gospel.Now,since they are fathers they are entitled to their honor,even above all others.But here it is bestowed least;for the way which the world knows for honoring them is to drive them out of the country and to grudge them a piece of bread and,in short,they must be (as says St.Paul 1Cor.4,13)as the filth of the world and everybody's refuse and footrag.
Yet there is need that this also be urged upon the populace,that those who would be Christians are under obligation in the sight of God to esteem them worthy of double honor who minister to their souls,that they deal well with them and provide for them.For that,God is willing to add to you sufficient blessing and will not let you come to want.
But in this matter every one refuses and resists,and all are afraid that they will perish from bodily want,and cannot now support one respectable preacher,where formerly they filled ten fat paunches.In this we also deserve that God deprive us of His Word and blessing,and again allow preachers of lies to arise to lead us to the devil,and,in addition,to drain our sweat and blood.
But those who keep in sight God's will and commandment have the promise that everything which they bestow upon temporal and spiritual fathers,and whatever they do to honor them,shall be richly recompensed to them,so that they shall have,not bread,clothing,and money for a year or two,but long life,support,and peace,and shall be eternally rich and blessed.Therefore only do what is your duty,and let God take care how He is to support you and provide for you sufficiently.Since He has promised it,and has never yet lied,He will not be found lying to you.
This ought indeed to encourage us,and give us hearts that would melt in pleasure and love toward those to whom we owe honor,so that we would raise our hands and joyfully thank God who has given us such promises,for which we ought to run to the ends of the world [to the remotest parts of India].For although the whole world should combine,it could not add an hour to our life or give us a single grain from the earth.But God wishes to give you all exceeding abundantly according to your heart's desire.He who despises and casts this to the winds is not worthy ever to hear a word of God.This has now been stated more than enough for all who belong under this commandment.
In addition,it would be well to preach to the parents also,and such as bear their office,as to how they should deport themselves toward those who are committed to them for their government.For although this is not expressed in the Ten Commandments,it is nevertheless abundantly enjoined in many places in the Scriptures.And God desires to have it embraced in this commandment when He speaks of father and mother.For He does not wish to have in this office and government knaves and tyrants;nor does He assign to them this honor,that is,power and authority to govern,that they should have themselves worshiped;but they should consider that they are under obligations of obedience to God;and that,first of all,they should earnestly and faithfully discharge their office,not only to support and provide for the bodily necessities of their children,servants,subjects,etc.,but,most of all,to train them to the honor and praise of God.Therefore do not think that this is left to your pleasure and arbitrary will,but that it is a strict command and injunction of God,to whom also you must give account for it.
