=122. Observance of treaties.=--The obligation to observe treaties is based on the natural law. Whether compacts take place between States or individuals, it matters little. The States, in respect to each other, are like private individuals. Certain publicists, particularly Machiavelli, have maintained that the obligation to observe treaties only lasts as long as these accord with our interests. As much as to say that one should not make any compacts. Besides, Machiavelli's opinion is in such disrepute that it is almost useless to discuss it. We will content ourselves with setting against it the following beautiful thought of a great politician: Kings should be very careful in making treaties, but when once made, they must observe them religiously. I know very well that many politicians teach the contrary; but without stopping to consider what Christianity has to say regarding these maxims, I maintain that, since the loss of honor is greater than that of life, a great prince should rather risk his person, and even the loss of his State, than break his word, which he cannot break without losing his reputation, consequently, his greatest strength as a sovereign. (Cardinal de Richelieu, _Testament politique_, 2{e} partie, ch. vi.) CHAPTER X. FAMILY DUTIES. SUMMARY. =The family.=--Origin and history of the family.--The family originating in the necessity of the perpetuation of the species, has gradually gained in morality until it has reached the present state, namely, _monogamy_, or marriage between one man and one woman: a progress so far as the dignity of woman and the equality of the sexes are concerned. =Duties of marriage.=--The duties of marriage begin before marriage: to be prudent in the choice of a partner; to prefer the moral interests to the material interests. Mutual duties of the married couple: fidelity founded: 1, on a free promise; 2, on the very idea of marriage. Duties peculiar to the husband: protection of the family, work, etc. Celibacy and its duties. =Duties of parents toward children.=--Of the rights of parents.--Basis and limits of the paternal authority.--Instituted in the interest of the children, it is limited by that very interest. Parents have not, therefore, 1, the right of life and death; 2, the right to strike and maltreat; 3, the right to sell; 4, the right to corrupt. Duties of parents.--General duty of affection without privileges or preferences.--Duty of maintenance and education.--Decrease of parental responsibility in proportion to the age of the children.--Three periods in paternal authority. =Duties of children respecting their parents and respecting each other.=--Filial duty.--Fraternal duty. =Duties of masters towards their servants.=