Nor did they think morality could be imposed directly by law. Citizens must exercise self-restraint, responsibility and civility on their own to keep government in check. Today, over-sized government smothers us with oppressive compassion. It undermines the private sector and weakens virtue. The welfare state replaces the role of family members, neighbors and parishoners.
Government tries to take care of all our needs and thus undermines personal responsibility.
This threatens our attachment to justice. Military discipline and honor are disdained. This weakens the habits of courage. Modern liberals want big government, and weak, dependent citizens. Libertarians want limited government, but don't realize that limited government, most of all, must make moral distinctions, and must encourage strong families and virtuous citizens.