No one form of the family is indispensable to the existence of society; yet some forms are more favourable to general happiness than others.

But which form is on the whole the best, has greatly divided opinion; and legislation has varied accordingly.

The more advanced nations have adopted compulsory monogamy, thereby giving the prestige of their authority in favour of that system.

But it cannot be affirmed that the joining of one man to one woman is a portion of 'Eternal and Immutable Morality.' Morality is an Institution of society, but not an arbitrary institution.
8.

Before adducing the proofs in support of the position above assumed, namely, that Utility or Human Happiness, with certain limitations, is the _proper_ criterion of Morality, it is proper to enquire, what sort of evidence the Ethical Standard is susceptible of.
Hitherto, the doctrine of Utility has been assumed, in order to be fully stated.