Misery is an evil in itself and therefore to be dreaded for its own sake. Moral law is that mode of moral action that exactly accords with the nature and relations of moral beings. Conformity to this law is virtue. Virtue is the cause of happiness. Happiness is an ultimate good.
Happiness is the ultimate end of government.
Upon moral government as a means of promoting this end, both ruler and ruled are dependent. He has a right to govern, who possesses such attributes, such a character, is so circumstanced, and sustains such relations as to be both able and willing to secure the highest good of the whole. Upon him all eyes are, or ought to be turned, to sustain this office. It is therefore the right and the duty of God to administer the moral government of the universe. A moral being is one who possesses understanding, reason, conscience and free will.