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.

But here again the sad plight arises that no one perceives or heeds
this, and all live on as though God gave us children for our pleasure
or amusement, and servants that we should employ them like a cow or
ass, only for work, or as though we were only to gratify our wantonness
with our subjects, ignoring them, as though it were no concern of ours