A Treatise of Human Nature

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BOOK III PART II


relation that resembles it. For this also has its
influence. If it be natural to conjoin all sorts of
relations, it is more so, to conjoin such relations
as are resembling, and are related together.)


But we may observe, that though the rule
of the assignment of property to the present
possessor be natural, and by that means use-
ful, yet its utility extends not beyond the first
formation of society; nor would any thing be
more pernicious, than the constant observance
of it; by which restitution would be excluded,
and every injustice would be authorized and
rewarded. We must, therefore, seek for some
other circumstance, that may give rise to prop-
erty after society is once established; and of this
kind, I find four most considerable, viz. Oc-
cupation, Prescription, Accession, and Succes-
sion. We shall briefly examine each of these,

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