ETERNAL REST GIVE UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. AMEN.
The Cardinal virtue of Justice consists in rendering to each and all their rightful due; so that it has a much wider scope than regulating business transactions, punishing crimes, and granting political rights; it enters into all our relations with God and our neighbours, and becomes a constituent part of many virtues. The first of these virtues is Filial piety; for on the second table of the law, which deals with the relations of men amongst themselves, the first commandment is "Honour thy father and thy mother." The family is the earliest community and is the unit of human society; its duties are the basis of all other social duties, and the observance of them brings with it a train of temporal benefits. The consequence of filial piety is "that it may be well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God will give thee" (Deut. v. 16). Filial piety is not fitting, admirable and beautiful only, but it is a debt of natural justice due to parents in return for the gift of life, and for their cares in supporting and educating. It includes love, respect, obedience, and when occasion arises, temporal assistance. Men owe a duty of the same kind to their country. The words fatherland, mother-country, patriotism, indicate that our native country bears something of a parental relation towards us, and is entitled to love, respect and service accordingly. Esteem this virtue, practise it, and promote its observance.
