And even amongst us,
the hare that any one is hunting, is thought his who pursues her
during the chase: for being a beast that is still looked upon as
common, and no man's private possession; whoever has employed so
much labour about any of that kind, as to find and pursue her,
has thereby removed her from the state of nature, wherein she was
common, and hath begun a property.
Sec. 31. It will perhaps be objected to this, that if
gathering the acorns, or other fruits of the earth, &c. makes a
right to them, then any one may ingross as much as he will. To
which I answer, Not so. The same law of nature, that does by
this means give us property, does also bound that property
too. God has given us all things richly, 1 Tim. vi. 12. is
the voice of reason confirmed by inspiration. But how far has he
given it us? To enjoy. As much as any one can make use of to
any advantage of life before it spoils, so much he may by his
Tabour fix a property in: whatever is beyond this, is more than
his share, and belongs to others. Nothing was made by God for
man to spoil or destroy. And thus, considering the plenty of
natural provisions there was a long time in the world, and the
few spenders; and to how small a part of that provision the
industry of one man could extend itself, and ingross it to the
prejudice of others; especially keeping within the bounds, set
by reason, of what might serve for his use; there could be then
little room for quarrels or contentions about property so
established.
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