Of Other Laws of Nature
From that law of Nature, by which we are obliged to transfer to another, such rights, as being retained, hinder the peace of mankind, there followeth a third; which is this, “that men perform their covenants made”; without which, covenants are in vain, and but empty words; and the right of all men to all things remaining, we are still in the condition of war.
And in this law of Nature consisteth the fountain and original of “justice.” For where no covenant hath preceded, there hath no right been transferred, and every man has right to everything; and consequently, no action can be unjust. But when a covenant is made, then to break it is “unjust”: and the definition of “injustice,” is no other than “the not performance of covenant.” And whatsoever is not unjust, is “just.”