§ VII: Errors Concerning Natural and Christian Ethics

56. The laws of morals by no means need divine sanction, nor is it at all necessary that human laws conform to the law of nature or receive the force of obliging from God.

Alloc. Maxima quidem, June 9, 1862.

57. The science of philosophical matters and morals, and likewise civil laws, can and ought to decline from divine and ecclesiastical authority.

Alloc. Maxima quidem, June 9, 1862.

58. No other powers are to be recognized except those which are placed in matter, and every discipline and honesty of morals ought to be placed in accumulating and increasing riches in whatever way and in satisfying pleasures.

Alloc. Maxima quidem, June 9, 1862. - Encyclical letter Quanto conficiamur, August 10, 1863.

59. Right consists in material fact, and all duties of men are an empty name, and all human facts have the force of right.

Alloc. Maxima quidem, June 9, 1862.

60. Authority is nothing other than the sum of number and material forces.

Alloc. Maxima quidem, June 9, 1862.

61. The fortunate injustice of a fact brings no detriment to the sanctity of right.

Alloc. Jamdudum cernimus, March 18, 1861.

62. The principle which they call non-intervention is to be proclaimed and observed.

Alloc. Novos et ante, September 28, 1860.

63. It is lawful to refuse obedience to legitimate Princes, and even to rebel.

Encyclical letter Qui pluribus, November 9, 1846. - Alloc. Quisque vestrum, October 4, 1847. - Encyclical letter Noscitis et Nobiscum, December 8, 1849. - Apostolic Letters Cum catholica, March 26, 1860.

64. Both the violation of any most holy oath whatsoever and any wicked and shameful action repugnant to the eternal law, not only is by no means to be disapproved, but is even altogether lawful and to be extolled with the highest praises when this is done for love of country.

Alloc. Quibus quantisque, April 20, 1849.