- X)n Commerce. 71 



my statement) that that man who could excel in the manu- 

 facture of any article in his own country, had more merit 

 than he who imported it from another : — most certainly he 

 'has; and whoever will turn to my first Essay will find, that 

 .to promote this spirit amongst the inhabitants I state to be 

 one of the principle objects of a wise and patriotic politician 

 or statesman. I think I have already proved to a demon- 

 stration, that there is no country which can produce all that 

 may be said to be of use, comfort, &c, &c, to the inhabi- 

 tants, — I mean as far as the productions of the soil are con- 

 cerned. I likewise contend that no exertions, either by 

 individuals or united bodies, can bring the making or 

 manufactctre of every article to the same degree of perfection 

 to which it is sometimes brought in another country ; at least 

 such a phenomenon has not yet appeared in the world, and,, 

 for the happiness of the human race, I believe it never will. 

 Nations, like individuals, if they possessed within them- 

 selves every requisite which they found necessary or useful., 

 would be too much puffed asp with vain-glory, pride, and 

 ■presumption ; wou4d consider themselves as the only fa- 

 vourites of Heaven, and look down with contempt on all their 

 fellow-mortals as beings of an inferior order, and not 

 alike the children of the same kind and benevolent parent. 

 Nations, as well as individuals, with all their wants, weak- 

 nesses, and imperfections, are but too apt to fall into this 

 dangerous error: — How much more would it be so if every 

 country did, or even could, by its exertions supply all its 

 wants ! Would not such be apt to forget the Creator, and to 

 exclaim, " My own right hand has gotten me the victory?** 

 I am well aware that several foreign articles mav justly be 

 termed luxuries, and that a very improper use is often made 

 .of them ; but if some people will injure their health or hurt 

 their constitution, by excess in that which ought only to be 

 used as a medicine, or for the comfort and support of old 

 age, the blame in all those cases lies with man, who only 

 abuses the bounties of his benevolent Creator. I well know- 

 that rice is more congenial to the support of the inhabitants 

 of those countries where it is the natural produce, than it 

 would be to an Englishman who has been accustomed to 



K 4 bread 



