I.

OUr first Observation shal be touching the importance of Oe∣conomy; wherefore let us bring it to the Balance for tryal. Though a Family (which is its general object) be very small in comparison of the State whereof it is a member, yet is it not like an Epicurean atome, Page  2 unexposed to sense, but an ag∣gregation capable of Govern∣ment, and the good govern∣ment is of such Concernment as a State cannot subsist without it; for Agriculture & Manufa∣ctures are dependant upon fa∣milies, and a Nation can neither be fed nor defended without these, since publick contributi∣ons receive their life from them. There were very evident marks of Domestical thrift among the Roman Senators in their begin∣ning: and the Noble Venetians now subsist in their greatness by it. True it is, that States having obtained much riches, become subject to extravagant Expense and Luxury; but these excesses grow not to their height, till the State come to its declinati∣on, Page  3 as it was with the Romans and Persians. And now having made our approaches, let us give a Definition of Oeconomy.