But the good, as an attribute, is an _active_ principle. We were endowed with it for the purpose of movement--for results. It is my duty to act _right_--straight, or in accordance with the _good_ as a rule. Hence, whatever is a necessary _condition_ of the operation of this active principle, the essential good, is in itself a good which is either in my possession, and hence is mine by possession; or it _ought_ to be in my possession, and hence is mine by just title. Hence, to breathe, under all circumstances, together with all physical motion and the sustenance of the body, which involves the right of property to a certain extent, each in given circumstances, is the natural right of every one. So also the right of the embryo-man, the idiot, the imbecile, the uncivilized, or the savage, to protection and defence, is a natural right; and for the same reason, to be protected and defended from certain helpless conditions by others, is the natural right of every one in all states of humanity. Because each of these, and of all similar things, is in itself good, being a necessary condition of the operation of the essential good, and is either in our possession or ought to be in our possession; each one is also a _natural right_, the good that is or ought to be in our possession. But there are _acquired rights_. It is the _duty_ of man to act, from the very fact that he is endowed with the attribute of the _good_, which envelops the idea of duty. He also has _power_ to act from the very same natural constitution. Now, if he use this _power_ as duty and rectitude indicate that he should do, all nature teaches, what the Bible confirms, that he will glorify God, i. e., exemplify his goodness, and therein promote his own happiness and the happiness of those with whom he is associated; or, in other words, he will secure for himself and confer upon his fellows eminent benefits resulting from the performance of his duty. Now, whatever results to him in this way is certainly his by possession, or by Divine grant, as much so as any natural _right_; but these _benefits_, being of the nature of the essential good, (for the reason that they are _benefits_, are in themselves _right_,) result to him in the performance of his duty, and therefore are _his rights_. But the acquisition is made to depend upon the exercise of his _arbitrary_ volition. If he use this in pursuance of duty, they follow. If he use it in violation of duty, they do not follow. Hence, if he realize them at all, either by possession or by title, they are _acquired_, and therefore are acquired _rights_ or benefits.