God accompanied this gift with these words, addressed to our first parents after the creation: 'Be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth,'" &c.
After this magnificent introduction, who would refuse to believe the human race to be an immense family living in brotherly union, and under the protection of a venerable father?
But, heavens! are brothers enemies?
Are fathers unnatural, and children prodigal?
GOD GAVE THE EARTH TO THE HUMAN RACE: why then have I received none?
HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER MY FEET,--and I have not where to lay my head! MULTIPLY, he tells us through his interpreter, Pothier.

Ah, learned Pothier! that is as easy to do as to say; but you must give moss to the bird for its nest.
"The human race having multiplied, men divided among themselves the earth and most of the things upon it; that which fell to each, from that time exclusively belonged to him.

That was the origin of the right of property." Say, rather, the right of possession.

Men lived in a state of communism; whether positive or negative it matters little.

Then there was no property, not even private possession.