The Church must be separated from the State and the State from the Church. Moral law does not need a divine sanction, it is not at all necessary that human laws should conform to the Law of Nature or derive their binding force from God. Philosophy, the science of ethics, and human laws may or ought to be independent of divine and ecclesiastical authority. No forces are to be recognized which are not inherent in matter, and all moral and decent effort ought to be expended in accumulating wealth and procuring, pleasure in any way. Right consists of a material fact, 'duties of man' is an empty phrase, and all man's acts have the force of right.
Authority is merely the sum of numbers and material forces.
A fortunate outcome of an unjust act does no harm to the sanctity of right. The principle of Non-intervention is to be recommended and observed. It is lawful to refuse to obey and even rebel against legitimate princes. The violation of the most sacred oaths and any criminal and disgraceful action in violation of the eternal law are not to be censured but are entirely lawful and worthy of the highest praise if they are done out of love of one's country. It must by no means be admitted that Christ raised marriage to the dignity of a sacrament.