A Treatise of Human Nature

(Jeff_L) #1

BOOK III PART II


because he Is related to the most considerable
part. On the contrary, if he be only related to
the small object, he will not be strongly related
to both, considered together, since his relation
lies only with the most trivial part, which is not
apt to strike us in any great degree, when we
consider the whole. And this Is the reason, why
small objects become accessions to great ones,
and not great to small.


It is the general opinion of philosophers and
civilians, that the sea is incapable of becoming
the property of any nation; and that because it
is impossible to take possession of it, or form
any such distinct relation with it, as may be
the foundation of property. Where this reason
ceases, property immediately takes place. Thus
the most strenuous advocates for the liberty of
the seas universally allow, that friths and hays

Free download pdf