Ch. 1.
of Things.
15
diſturbances and quarrels would frequently ariſe among individuals, contending about the acquiſition of this ſpecies of property by firſt occupancy, the law has therefore wiſely cut up the root of diffenſion, by veſting the things themſelves in the ſovereign of the ſtate; or elſe in his repreſentatives, appointed and authorized by him, being uſually the lords of manors. And thus the legiſlature of England has univerſally promoted the grand ends of civil ſociety, the peace and ſecurity of individuals, by ſteadily purſuing that wiſe and orderly maxim, of aſſigning to every thing capable of ownerſhip a legal and determinate owner.
