XVIII. A right to such acts with∣out which men cannot well live.
After the Right that is Common to things, follows that which is Common to some acts: And this Right is granted either simply, or upon supposition. Simply, This Right in Common is granted to such Acts, whereby those things may be acquired, without which we cannot conveniently subsist. I mean not here, such a necessity as justifies us in the ta∣king away of another mans goods: For we discourse not here, of things taken away against the will of the right owner, but of the means how to obtain things convenient, with the consent of the owner; at least, that no impediment be given either by a publick Law, or any private Conspiracy: For in such things whereof we have spoken, such an Impediment is repugnant to humane Society.* 1.1 Thus Plutarch concerning the Megarenses, They bitterly complained,* 1.2 that contrary to the Law of Nations, they were denyed traffick, and driven from all Ports which were held by the Athenians. What every Countrey abounds with, saith Seneca, is made known to all Nations, that all men might see the necessity there was of main∣taining commerce among themselves, in case any Nation did want what another Nation had. And again, Whatsoever any people hath, that doth Commerce give to all, and those Countreys that are disperst and distant from each other, Traffick unites and knits together. I speak not here, as to things superfluous or voluptuous, but of such only as conduce to the preservation of our Lives, as Aliment, Vestments, Medicaments, and the like.