The example of another nation ought not to determine us, to follow the same measures, without examining whether that nation was the better or the worse by such measures; and whether our circumstances and theirs don’t differ so, as to make that hurtful or ineffectual to us, which was of advantage to them. on the other hand, it is no argument against any thing propos’d for the general good, to say it is new, and what has not been practis’d. When any thing propos’d has been already practis’d by other nations, ’tis a presumption in favours of such a proposal; and it’s a presumption against it, if it has been refused: but a wise nation ought not to be determined by example, to follow or refuse without examining. This proposal has not been refus’d. the essential part is now practis’d in France, for paper is current by law: and tho’ after a manner that in all appearance ought to have hindred its currency, yet I’m inform’d foreign bills are bought with paper money, the same as with silver or gold. The example of nations in relation to money would be a very uncertain rule. for as has been said page 70, opposite measures have been us’d in some countries to what have been used in others, and contrary measures have been used in the same countries to what was used immediately before, not because of any difference in their circumstances, but from the opinion, that since the method used had not the effect design’d, a contrary would; and there are good reasons to think that the nature of money is not yet rightly understood. Any other objections that I have yet heard against this proposal, are such as may be fully answered, and so far as I can see into it, with all the application I have been capable of, I cannot find any objection but what may be fully answer’d; nor any difficulty in the execution, but what may be removed: if there is any fallacy in the positions I lay down, or any wrong consequences drawn from these positions, I have not been able to discover them. CHAP. VIII. _The low condition this country is reduced to, notwithstanding its natural advantages._ The natural advantages the Dutch have for trade, are, their situation at the mouths of the rivers of Germany, and being near the bulky trade. Their natural disadvantages are, smallness of territory, barrenness of soil, producing little but what’s forc’d; want of mines; long winters; unwholsome air; marishy, so oblig’d to great expence for foundation to their buildings, in making and keeping up the high-ways, and in draining the country yearly; a dangerous coast; difficult entry to their rivers; the sea to defend against on one side, and powerful neighbours on the other; and heavy taxes, the consequence of these other disadvantages.