uested to
observe, that I am desirous of illustrating a very important
investigation, by representing a very confused and long series of
events. The result to be derived from this, is not to be affected by any
small inaccuracy. In counting before the birth of Christ, having found
many different opinions, and much uncertainty relative to dates,
(which I neither have abilities nor inclination to investigate,) I
measured backwards, without pretending to settle the year of the
world, respecting which there are so many different opinions.

The materials for ancient history are few, and sometimes not much to
be relied upon; but, in great leading facts, such as alone are of use in
this picture, the authenticity is not to be doubted.

The Assyrian and Egyptian empires had attained wealth and power
previous to the time at which this commences. They stood then, and
for long after, as if it =sic= were alone in the world; their revolutions,
and the rise, prosperity, and decline of other nations, are all
represented.

I have not wished to continue the view of France, since the revolution,
its present real situation is so imperfectly known; and, from what is
known of it, it cannot be compared with any other nation, or with
itself previous to that period. [end of page #80]

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BOOK II.
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CHAP. I.

_Of the Interior Causes of Decline, arising from the Possession of
Wealth.--Its general Operation on the Habits of Life, Manners,
Education, and Ways of thinking and acting of the Inhabitants of a
Country_.

As necessity was the first cause of industry and invention, from which
wealth and power arise, it is natural that, when the action of that
necessity becomes less urgent, those exertions to which it gave rise
will gradually fall away. Though habit may sometimes counteract this
tendency, in the individual, yet, taken upon a general scale, and from
generation to generation, it must inevitably take place.

In this case, an individual who has obtained wealth enjoys an
advantage, which no nation ever can expect. With only common
prudence, he may cease from exertion or industry, and remain in
affluence. If he has property in land, he may let it, and live on the rent;
if in money, he may lend it, and live on the interest; but one nation
cannot let its lands, or lend its capital to another. It must, by its own
industry, render them productive. The great bulk of every nation, then,
must be industrious, howe