and the
Parliament naturally infused into the great mass of the people;--the
increased skill in maritime affairs, which was produced by our naval
victories under Cromwell;--the great vigour of his government in his
relations with foreign powers; and the passing of the navigation act. The
Restoration, bringing a great fondness for luxury and expence, naturally
produced also exertions to gratify that fondness. If to these and other
causes of a similar nature, we add the introduction of East India
commodities direct to England, and the import trade to the West Indies and
America, the emigration of the industrious Flemings during the Spanish wars
in the Low Countries, and of the French after the revocation of the edict
of Nantz, we shall have specified most of the efficient circumstances,
which, in conjunction with the progress of mankind in industry and
civilization, were beneficial to our commerce.
The causes and circumstances which were unfavourable to it during the same
period are much fewer in number; and though some of them were powerful,
yet, even these, for the most part, when they ceased to operate, gave birth
to a reaction favourable to commerce. The more general causes may be sought
for in the erroneous notions entertained respecting commerce, in
consequence of which monopolies were granted, especially in the reign of
James I.
Pages:
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715