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254 was the business of the world; the sword alone obtained and secured property. This state of things could not last; one species of barter led to another; and finally arose a set of men solely devoted to trade. Wealth acquired by commerce must always bring with it its portion of intelligence, and a desire of security. We would not lightly lose what we have hardly earned. Security can be obtained but by defined rights, and these can be ensured only by equitable laws. Out of these principles arose the various struggles which convulsed Europe during the middle ages. The feudal potentates still strove to retain their military despotism after its necessity had passed away; and the people of cities and ports, daily more conscious of their wants and powers, resisted that authority which had become so intolerable. Abuses are never remedied till actually unbearable. Liberty has been called the daughter of the mountains—she ought rather to be styled the daughter of commerce; for her best and most useful rights have been founded and defended by states embarked in trade.

There was a third class, small indeed when compared to those vast multitudes actuated by fanaticism or interest, but destined to exercise the most beneficial and lasting influence—the reflecting