BE D I C J r I o N. 
be faid in no other cafe, is productive of good Confequences, for it heightens that 
Spirit of Induftry, which can alone diffufe Wealth, and therefore we fee, that a few 
very rich Merchants, in one Age, produces a Multitude of moderate Fortunes in the 
next* Thus the Evils created by Trade, are cor reded by Trade, which, as it is the 
only natural Way of acquiring Riches, fo whatever temporary Inconveniencies attend 
it, difappear of themfelves, if we do not through Impatience interpofe, but fuffer 
Nature to take her Courfe. 
We may eafily conceive from hence, that as Riches and Commerce, fo Commerce 
and Liberty are inseparable ; for if the Property attained by the former, be not fe- 
cured and preferved by the latter, Trade will quickly decay; as on the other Hand, 
fuch as have acquired Fortunes by long and hazardous Voyages Abroad, or by hard 
Labour in a conftant Courfe of Induftry at Home, will naturally have juft Notions, 
and confequently fet a true Value upon Freedom, which they will likewife be the 
more ready, and the more able to defend. So that on the Whole, we may fafely 
affirm, that the greateft Differences between Nations, arife chiefly from the Degrees, 
and the Nature of their Commerce, and according as it is, either little or large, ex- 
tended or confined ; the People are Civilized or Rude, Rich or Poor, Powerful or 
Weak, Brave or Bafe, and finally, Free or Slaves : So from Reafon we ought to judge, 
and fo from Experience it appears. 
The great End of Voyages and Travels is, to enquire into, and obtain Satisfac- 
tion as to theie Particulars, and the principal Defign of fuch Colledions as this is, 
to reprefent them freely and fairly to the World: In doing this, I have ufed all the 
Care and Diligence that was in my Power, and have never let flip any Opportunity 
of recommending the Encouragement, Extenfion, and Prote&ion of Trade, as the 
fiireft Means of making us a great, wealthy, powerful and happy People ; of all thefe, 
Gentlemen, as I conceive, you muft be the principal Inftruments, I thought I had, 
in fome Meafure, a Right to expert your Patronage, of which, if you fhall think 
this Work worthy, it will fully anfwer the Willies, and gratify the Ambition of, 
Gentlemen, 
Tour Obedient and Devoted 
Shire-Lane, De-» 
cernb. 3, 1745. 
Humble Servant , 
The A U T H O R. 
