34-2 Means of raifing an additional fax for the Current Service* 
upon a folid foundation. And which do you imagine is the 
moft practicable means to obtain this end ? To increafe the 
riches of the nation by inducing the laborer and mechanic to work 
a little more, and the rich to fpend a little less ; or to go on 
in the same vile trac of mortgaging your lands to fo- 
reigners ? You are fenfible we owe already great fums abroad 
as well as at home ; and if the public is engaged, you are enga- 
ged. Let us adt honestly ; this is the fair ftate of the cafe. 
Do you expert to remain in security and affluence ? You 
muft pay thofe who fight for you ; and not leave thofe who 
have lent their money to the public, expofed to want and mi- 
fery. Our fecurity is in the valor of failors and foldiers, and 
in the means of fupporting them to repel our enemies. 
Would to God that fome experiment were fairly tried* 
that we might see if we have not virtue and fkill enough to 
quicken indufiry for the purpofes I am now recommending 5 
to check the growth of luxury ; to reap the genuine fruits of 
fuch indufiry, and at the fame time promote the cause of li- 
berty and religion ; none of which are, or I believe ever will 
be effected by our prefent method of running in debt. On 
the contrary, a loaded and diftreffed fiate affords the ftronger 
temptation to plunder the public, and great expences in private 
life are generally attended with great corruption. We barter 
the reverfion of heaven itfelf to gratify our vices ; and, like a 
prodigal heir, fell the reverfion of our paternal inheritance : to 
pleafe ourfelves for the prefent moment, we run the hazard of 
intailing fiavery and penury on our defcendants for ages to 
come. 
2 
This 
