CHAPTER II.

PROPERTY.

PROPERTY is that which any one possesses or can call his own, whether it be food, clothing, tools, toys, books, strength to labor, lands, houses, furniture, or money.

The right of property is the right to use anything we own as we choose, if it do not interfere with the rights of others.

We may acquire the right of property, first, by taking possession of that which is claimed by no one else; such as hunting wild game, plucking wild fruit, taking fish, or anything of this kind. Or, second, we may acquire it by the labor of our own hands, as by raising fruits or vegetables, building houses, or earning money by laboring for others. Third, we may get property by exchanging the fruits or vegetables which we have raised by our labor, for other things needful to us, or for money. Fourth, others may give us property, or we may inherit that which is left by deceased relatives.

But let us come by it in whatever manner we may, the rule is always the same-that each man is to have his own, and to use it as he pleases, if he do not injure others.

Still, while he who has property has a per

Subject of Chapter II.? What is property? What the right of property? First way mentioned in which we may acquire the right of property? Second? Third? Fourth? What is the rule in all cases?

fect right to use it as he pleases, he ought to use it in such a way as will benefit himself and his fellow-creatures. Duty requires us to regard property only as a means of doing good; and he who employs it in any way which will injure himself or others, or who hoards it up, so that it is of no use to any one, is guilty of sin. He who has more property than is necessary for promoting the best interests of himself and of his own family, ought to feel that it is placed in his hands for the benefit of his fellow-men; and he should not only give some portions of it to the poor, but should employ it in a way that will improve the condition of others.

Money is a good thing, an excellent thing, but good only for its uses. These are innumerable. Besides supplying the owner with the food, clothing and warmth, which are necessary to support life, it enables him to buy books; to get knowledge; to visit different parts of the world; to examine into the wonderful works of God, which exist upon the earth and in the heavens; to view the beautiful works of artstatues, paintings and temples-which God has given men wisdom to form.

Property should be used in relieving the wants of the poor and destitute, who are not able to take care of themselves. Old garments, and remnants of food, which are not wanted by the

How ought property to be used? How does duty require us to regard property? it injuriously, or hoarding it? regard to their property, and money ? Some of its uses? etc.?

What is said of employing How should the rich feel in what do? What is said of What is said of old garments,

owner, should not be thrown away, but given to some one who is suffering for the want of them. Such are to be found in almost every neighborhood, and they should be sought out, and their efforts to support themselves aided. Street beggars often deceive, and though it may not be well to give them money, or anything which they can dispose of, it is always right to feed them on the spot, if they are hungry. It is often a great charity to the poor, to furnish them with something to do, and pay them a just compensation.

Great good may be done with property, by establishing hospitals for the sick; asylums for the deaf, the blind and the insane; schools for the poor and the wicked; and literary institutions and libraries, for the benefit of all.

Those who are wealthy have great influence over others, and they ought to set them a good example. Wealth is not necessary to make a person respectable. The son of a poor man is just as respectable as the son of a rich man, if he conducts himself equally well. There is nothing more unworthy than the superiority which people sometimes assume, simply because they have money.

It is the duty of every one to try to get sufficient property to support himself, that he may

What is said of street beggars? What is often a great kindness to the poor? What other beneficial uses of property are mentioned? What is the duty of the wealthy in respect to influence? What is said of wealth in relation to respectability? What the duty of every one in regard to acquiring property?

not be dependent upon others, nor a burden to them. A feeling of dependence diminishes one's personal liberty; and we have no right to burden others, when we can take care of ourselves.

But while we strive to get property for the supply of our own wants, we should not make money-getting the object of our life, and add thousands to thousands, and hoard our treasures, so that they are of no use to ourselves nor to anybody else.

If disputes arise about the rightful ownership of anything, the question need not be settled by quarrelling, nor by going to law; but, if the two parties cannot, by fair means, come to an agreement, they may leave the matter to be settled by good persons, who are capable of judging rightly. But fairness and honesty in the persons interested will generally settle all such difficulties, without appealing to others. This rule applies to boys and girls in relation to their little articles of property, as well as to their fathers and mothers in relation to greater things.

Effect of dependence? What is said of money-getting? How may questions in regard to the ownership of property be settled? To whom does this rule equally apply?

CHAPTER III.

THEFT, ROBBERY AND FRAUD.

"Aim to be

In all thy dealings upright. True it is,

An honest man's the noblest work of God."

THE right of property is violated when it is taken without the voluntary consent of the owner, or by false pretences; and is equally violated, whether much or little is taken.

The divine command is: "Thou shalt not steal," no matter if the thing taken be a top, a pencil, or a pin. It is as wrong to steal a book or a penknife, as to steal money; to cheat the post-office, as to cheat a friend. It violates the law as truly, to go on to a neighbor's grounds and take apples, cherries, watermelons, currants, or even a flower from his garden, as to take his cloak or umbrella from his house: to take a goose or turkey from his yard, as a horse from his, pasture.

We have no more right to take the property of an enemy, than of a friend; of a stranger, than of a parent or employer. Neither have we any right to keep lost articles which may fall in our way. Our duty in such cases is, by every possible means, to endeavor to find the

true owner.

Subject of Chapter III.? Motto? When is the right of property violated? What is the divine command? How is the divine command illustrated? Duty in regard to lost articles?