The Government Class Book

, de

s are distinguished by different names; as, the law of nature, or natural law; the moral l

ature, because it is right in itself--right in the nature of things, and ought to be obeyed, though no positive command had ever been giv

laws of his Creator, on whom he is dependent. He is also in a measure dependent upon his fellow beings. All being created equal, each is bound by the prin

briefly expressed in the decalogue or ten commandments, and is still more briefly summed up in the two great commandments, to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselv

ple in their political capacity, or as a body politic, agree to be governed. The nature of this law will more clearly appear fr

re called municipal officers. In this country, the word is not only used in this limited sense, but is extended to what pertains to a state. Hence the body of laws which prescribe the duties of the citizens of a state, are cal

the divine law, or if it requires us to disobey the commands of God, it is not binding, and should not be obeyed. So the Scriptures teach. They speak approvingly of men who disobeyed human authority, and who gave as th

by that law alone. The divine law is broad, and comprehends rules to teach men their whole duty; but it does not specify every particular act of duty. Much of it consists of general principles to which particular acts must be

quire us to love our Creator supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves; in other words, to do to others as we would that they should do to us. But as the omniscient God only knows when men fail in

tly holy Creator could consistently require of his moral and accountable creatures nothing less than supreme love to himself, and equal love t

appiness strictly to obey this law. The generous man, in relieving the wants of others, contributes to his own happiness. The boy who divides an apple with his fellow, is more happy than he would be if he retained the wh