a Bounty , to encourage the Exportation of Corn. 431 
far from being well underftood. Some, I verily 
believe, from a generofity of temper, and bene¬ 
volence of difpofition, wifh to fee every means 
practifed, which might probably reduce the price 
of commodities, efpecially the necelTaries and 
conveniences of life. To this end, it has been 
thought, that if the ports were thrown open, and 
the flux and reflux of the articles of commerce 
might beas'free as the tides, it would necefTarily 
occafion plenty ; and that this would as neceiTarily 
lower the price, which would be a convenience to 
all, and particularly, a great blefling to the in- 
duftrious poor. This do&rine, plaufible as it may 
feem, from the humanity of the fpirit by which 
it is didtated, I regard as a fophifm of the mofl 
dangerous kind. Nothing could fooner reduce 
this country, to the deepefl poverty and diftrefs. 
What is it, that has raifed this country to 
the Hate of affluence, eafe, and happinefs, it 
has long enjoyed ? Not the natural fecundity 
of its lands: for, in that refpedt, it is very far 
inferior to many other countries. Neither our 
lands, their natural produce, nor the populouf- 
nefs of the country, could add one grain to its 
riches, without the induftry and labour of its 
people : I mean thofe, who not only labour 
for their maintenance and fupport, but aifo, 
for the neceffaries and conveniences of thofe, 
whofe circumftances enable them to pay for what 
they are unable or unwilling to provide for 
themfelves. 
