England's Treasure by Forraign Trade

"England's Treasure by Foreign Trade" is the best example of mercantilist commitment to a national project to increase production and wealth through trade. It also most effectively demonstrates the moral value that mercantilists place on such a project. In this book, Mun begins by arguing that trade activities are superior – both economically and morally – to the idle life of landowners who live off rents. In this sense, trade is the path to civilization. 'There is more dignity and financial gains in an Industrious life than in a great inheritance that was wasteth for want of virtue,' he writes. The author of this book concludes by asserting that no currency changes, trade restrictions, or other restrictions will ever prevent the following rule from being followed:'so much Treasure only will be brought in or carried out of a Commonwealth as the Foreign Trade doth over or under balance in value.' Foreign trade is more than just «the sinews of our wars» and «the means of our treasure.» It is also referred to as «The School of Our Arts,» «The Employment of Our Poor,» and «The Improvement of Our Lands.» This is why foreign trade must be safeguarded against our adversaries.