§. 30. It will, perhaps, be objected to this, that if gathering the acorns or
other fruits of the earth, etc., makes a right to them, then any one may
engross 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." 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 labour 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 engross
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.