The condition of both is a limitation and qualification of natural rights.

So the lapse of time qualifies the right to collect debts, bring suits for libel, or slander, and for the right of way, or for the possession of land.

Will we live under law?
or shall each man or any set of men set up laws for their own conscience ?" "Then," said he, "If a slave-trader lands a cargo of slaves from Africa, at Florida, I have no right to buy them; they are not lawfully slaves.
Is that your belief ?" "Assuredly," said I; "and if the fugitive whom I have supposed you to be sending back to the gentleman at New Orleans, were a fugitive from the cargo just imported from Africa, you would be sustained by the law of the land in delivering him from bondage; he was piratically taken; the laws would make him free, and punish his captors, if the laws were faithfully executed." "But a poor fellow born in slavery must remain a slave!" he replied.
"He is not lawfully a slave," I said, "if his parents were both of that cargo.

But if his father had received a wife from his master, then the child is lawfully a slave." "How do you establish that distinction ?" said he.
"The child is born of one known to be, herself, lawfully a slave.

It is born under a constitution of government which recognizes slavery; while that government provides for slavery, the child must submit or violate an ordinance of God, unless freedom can be had by law, or by justifiable revolution." "I feel constrained," said Mr.North "to hold that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being, except in cases of crime." "You mean," said I, "that every human being is entitled to all the civil rights and immunities which others enjoy." "Yes," said he, "in proportion to his age, and his capacity.