enumerate by rules generally known, and never contradicted, what are the true causes of any country's flourishing and growing rich; and then examine what effects arise from those causes in the kingdom of Ireland.
The first cause of a kingdom's thriving is, the fruitfulness of the soil to produce the necessaries and conveniences of life; not only sufficient for the inhabitants, but for exportation into other countries.
The second is, the industry of the people, in working up all their native commodities to the last degree of manufacture.
The third is, the conveniency of safe ports and havens, to carry out their own goods as much manufactured, and bring in those of others as little manufactured, as the nature of mutual commerce will allow.
The fourth is, that the natives should, as much as possible, export and import their goods in vessels of their own timber, made in their own country.
The fifth is, the privilege of a free trade in all foreign countries which will permit them, except those who are in war with their own prince or state.
The sixth is, by being governed only by laws made with their own consent; for otherwise they are not a free people. And therefore all appeals for justice, or applications for favour or preferment, to another country, are so many grievous impoverishments.
The seventh is, by improvement of land, encouragement of agriculture, and thereby increasing the number of their people; without which, any country, however blessed by nature, must continue poor.
