The most primitive rules were instinctively adopted in the lower order of animal life, the laws of self-preservation and mutual protection. The individual conduct, in either family or community life, is governed accordingly. That is very evident, and requires but little observation to find the secret spring that explains the necessity for its existence. If a community, whether animals or men, are favorably located, have ample provision and comfort, they will live in peace and contentment, thrive, develop, without friction or trouble. Let a lack of food arise, or let the numbers increase and produce a scarcity, strife is inevitable. New, other than peaceful, methods are adopted. Either they quarrel and battle among themselves, or they go in search of food elsewhere--emigrate, in part or as a whole. If they meet with opposition, they will fight--the strongest takes possession, might asserts its right, and the conquerer becomes the ruling power. In the early stages of human civilization, thousands of years ago, the simplest primitive rules were established for the conduct and guidance of the individual living in the community--for, of course, mutual protection and self-preservation. Humanity in a barbarous state adopted these rules, and handed them down from generation to generation until at length they were codified into laws. What are they? Honor thy parents. Do not commit murder. Do not take another man's wife. Do not bear false witness. Do not take anything belonging to another. These are laws for self-preservation and mutual protection! If such simple rules were not recognized and established, neither life nor property would be safe. Destruction of life and forcible possession of property would naturally lead to extermination. The family union is instinctive. The father, like the leader of a flock, is in authority. He is feared, therefore honored. A community soon learns from experience that "in union is strength." Herds of cattle seem to know this, and are ever ready to protect and defend themselves collectively. The lowest savages, barbarians, observe among themselves the first, yes, primitive rules to govern them in community, in family. These rules arose from necessity. It was for each individual's interest, for family interest, and for the interest of the community at large, to adopt these rules, obey them and have them obeyed. These rules were for individual welfare, and for the common welfare of the community at large, the preservation of their lives and the protection of their life and property. So long as any community of human beings, whatever be their condition, have ample provision to satisfy their wants, and are secure from depredations from without, there will be no trouble. Happiness and contentment, as well as peace and prosperity, will characterize their state.