The Fifth Commandment (5 of 10, God's Law) Honour thy father and thy mother

The original Westminster Larger Catechism (1648), on the fifth commandment, teaches,

Question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
Answer: By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or commonwealth.

Question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother?
Answer: Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.

Answers to each WLC question on the fifth commandment (Q126 to Q133) are at http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/WLC.htm

And remember the Lord Jesus Christ said:'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' (John 14:15) and 'If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.' (John 15:10).

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