PREFACE[1].
Forasmuch as Men, who are in a decaying condition, or who have but an ill opinion of their own Concernments, instead of being (as some think) the more industrious to resist the Evils they apprehend, do contrariwise become the more languid and ineffectual in all their Endeavours, neither caring to attempt or prosecute even the probable means of their relief. Upon this Consideration, as a Member of the Common- Wealth, next to knowing the precise Truth in what condition the common Interest stands, I would in all doubtful Cases think || the best, and consequently not despair, without strong and manifest Reasons, carefully examining whatever tends to lessen my hopes of the publick Welfare.
I have therefore thought fit to examin the following Perswasions, which I find too currant in the World[2], and too much to have affected the Minds of some, to the prejudice of all, viz. The fears of many concerning the Welfare of England.
- ↑ S, R, 'The Preface.'
- ↑ On the idea that England's industries were declining during the reign of Charles II. see Roscher, Engl. Volkswirthschaftslehre, 74. The formidable list of 'trades lost' in the preface of Child's New Discourse of Trade, though not printed until 1693 was written before 1669 and doubtless reflected current opinion.
