Very possibly this may bring on their exile.
The mild and patriotic character of the new ministry is the principal
dependence against this extremity.
The turn which the affairs of Europe will take, is not yet decided.
A war, wherein France, Holland, and England should be parties, seems,
_prima facie_, to promise much advantage to us. But, in the first place,
no war can be safe for us, which threatens France with an unfavorable
issue. And, in the next, it will probably embark us again into the
ocean of speculation, engage us to overtrade ourselves, convert us into
sea-rovers, under French and Dutch colors, divert us from agriculture,
which is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute
most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness. The wealth acquired by
speculation and plunder, is fugacious in its nature, and fills society
with the spirit of gambling. The moderate and sure income of husbandry
begets permanent improvement, quiet life, and orderly conduct, both
public and private. We have no occasion for more commerce than to
take off our superfluous produce, and the people complain that some
restrictions prevent this; yet the price of articles with us, in
general, shows the contrary.
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