We shall here point out the principal maxims on this article of politics. Among the other means, which may be used for this purpose, there are three of great efficacy. The mildness of the government may, among other things, greatly contribute to incline the subjects to join together in wedlock. People, loaded with taxes, who can hardly, by their labour, find wherewithal to supply the wants of life and the public charges, are not inclined to marry, lest their children should starve for hunger. Lastly another mean, very proper for maintaining and augmenting the number of inhabitants, is liberty of conscience.
Religion is one of the greatest advantages of mankind, and all men view it in that light.
Every thing, tending to deprive them of this liberty, appears insupportable. They cannot easily accustom themselves to a government, which tyrannizes over them in this article. France, Spain, and Holland present us with sensible proofs of the truth of these observations. The third, in consequence of an entire liberty of conscience, which she offers to all the world, is considerably improved even amidst wars and disasters. She has raised herself, as it were, on the ruin of other nations, and by the number of her inhabitants, who have brought power, commerce, and riches into her bosom, she enjoys a high degree of credit and prosperity.