Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/154



148 HUMAN LIBERTY.

perfect the natural law. These laws it is that embody the government of God, who graciously guides and directs both the intellect and the will of man lest these fall into error. Let, then, that continue to remain in a holy and inviolable union, which neither can nor should be sepa- rated; and in all things â€” for this is the dictate of right reason itself â€” let God be dutifully and obediently served. There are others, somewhat more moderate though not more consistent, who affirm that the morality of indi- viduals is to be guided by the divine law, but not the morahty of the State, so that in public affairs the com- mands of God may be passed over, and may be entirely disregarded in the framing of laws. Hence follows the fatal theory of the need of separation between Church and State. But the absurdity of such a position is manifest. Nature herself proclaims the necessity of the State provi d- ing means and opportunities whereby the community

jmay be enabled to live properly, that is to say, according to the laws of God. For since God is the source of all goodness and justice, it is absolutely ridiculous tJiat the State should pay no attention to these laws or render

"them abortive by contrary enactments. Besides, those who are in authority owe it to the commonwealth not only to provide for its external well-being and the conveniences of life, but still more to consult the welfare of men's souls in the wisdom of their legislation. But, for the increase of such benefits, nothing more suitable can be conceived than the laws which have God for their author; and, there- fore, they who in their government of the State take no account of these laws, abuse political power by causing it to deviate from its proper end and from what nature

jiself prescribes. And, what is still more important, and what We have more than once pointed out, although the civil authority has not the same proximate end as the spiritual, nor proceeds on the same lines, nevertheless in the exercise of their separate powers they must occasion- ally meet. For their subjects are the same, and not