ABSTRACT
This chapter describes commerce and the advantage of foreign commerce, in augmenting the power of the state, the riches and happiness of the subject. The greatness of a state, and the happiness of its subjects, how independent soever they may be supposed in some respects, are commonly allowed to be inseparable with regard to commerce. As private men receive greater security, in the possession of their trade and riches, from the power of the public, so the public becomes powerful in proportion to the opulence and extensive commerce of private men. There may be some circumstances, where the commerce and riches and luxury of individuals, instead of adding strength to the public, serves only to thin its armies, and diminish its authority among the neighbouring nations. The republic of Sparta was certainly more powerful than any state in the world, consisting of an equal number of people; and this was owing entirely to the want of commerce and luxury.
