hopeless disadvantage. It is the duty of the commonwealth to secure
for each the opportunity to become what he is capable of being, and to
fulfil the functions for which he is best fitted. The State cannot
make men moral, but it can interfere with existing conditions so as to
make the moral life easier for its citizens. Criminal law cannot
create saints, but it can punish evil-doers and counteract the forces
of lawlessness which threaten the social order. It cannot legislate
within the domain of motive, but it can encourage self-restraint and
thrift, honesty and temperance. It cannot actually intermeddle with
the sanctity of the home, or assume the role of paternal authority, but
it can insist upon the fulfilment of the conditions of decency and
propriety; it can condemn insanitary dwellings, suppress traffic in
vice, supervise unhealthy trades, protect the life and health of
workmen, and, generally, devise means for the culture and the
advancement, intellectually and morally, of the people. The State in
some degree embodies the public conscience, and as such it has the
prerogative of awakening and stimulating the consciences of
individuals. As a divine institution it is one of the channels through
which God makes His will known to man. Law has an ethical import, and
the State which is founded upon just and beneficent laws moulds the
customs and forms the characters of its citizens.

(2) But if the State is to fulfil its ideal function it must rely upon
the general co-operation of its citizens. The measure of its success
or failure will depend upon the extent to which an enlightened sense of
moral obligation prevails in the community. Men must rise above their
{234} own immediate interests and realise their corporate being.
Government makes its will dominant through the voice of the people. It
cannot legislate beyond the sympathies of its constituents. As the
individuals are, so the commonwealth will be. Civil duties vary
according to the qualifications and opportunities of individuals. But
certain general obligations rest upon all.

(_a_) It is the duty of all to take an _interest in public affairs_.
What concerns us collectively is the concern of each. Everything that
touches the public good should be made a matter of intelligent and
watchful interest by all. (_b_) It is the duty of all to _conform to
the laws_ of the country. It is possible that a particular enactment
may conflict with the dictates