BOOK III PART II
ous and frugal. Perhaps these causes are sec-
onded by the influence of relation, or the as-
sociation of ideas, by which we are naturally
directed to consider the son after the parent’s
decease, and ascribe to him a title to his fa-
ther’s possessions. Those goods must become
the property of some body: But of whom is the
question. Here it is evident the persons chil-
dren naturally present themselves to the mind;
and being already. connected to those posses-
sions by means of their deceased parent, we are
apt to connect them still farther by the relation
of property. Of this there are many parallel in-
stances^20
(^20) In examining the different titles to authority in
government, we shall meet with many reasons to con-
vince us, that the right of succession depends, in a great
measure on the imagination. Mean while I shall rest
contented with observing one example, which belongs