254. The eternal law is the order of intelligent beings, willed by God conformably to his infinite holiness.
255. Intrinsically moral acts are those which form a part of the order which God (supposing the will to create such or such beings) has willed necessarily, by force of the love of his infinite perfection. Such actions are commanded because they are good.
256. The actions which are good because they are commanded are those which form a part of the order which God has willed freely, and of which he has given creatures knowledge.
257. The command of God is his will communicated to creatures. If this will is necessary, the precept is natural, if free, the precept is positive.
258. Regarding the natural only, the order willed by God is that which leads to the preservation and perfection of created beings. Actions are moral when conformed to this order.
259. The natural perfection of beings consists in using their faculties for the end for which their nature shows them to be destined.
260. Nature has charged each individual to take care of his own preservation and perfection.
261. The natural impossibility of man's living alone, shows that the preservation and perfection of individuals must be obtained in society.
262. The first society is the family.