§ 7 

Gold and silver are, indeed, the most precious Metals, but they do not therefore always increase the National gain when they must be extracted from the earth. All merchandise can be exchanged into so much of these Metals as corresponds to its value. Neither is the Ducat ever so red that it will not be given for bread, as our ancestors used to say. 

Would it not be useful to consider whether the 38 marks 4 lods of gold and 5464 marks 1/2 lod of silver that have been extracted, from the beginning of 1760 to the end of 1764, are equivalent to the cost and work spent on them and to the rent of land from several parishes which has been appropriated thereto and so on? Or whether for all this many times as much silver and gold could not have been imported at the highest rate of exchange? Or whether such patriotism or love of Swedish gold and silver has really increased the National gain? Or whether they had to be maintained only in the hope of greater gain in the future?

Finally, is there not an evidence of National loss in the complaints and poverty of the workmen and Peasantry at and around the Ironworks, from being under compulsion, and desirous of using their time and abilities on what would be more useful to them and the Realm at the present time? 

Here I am by no means talking about such works as exist without any disadvantage to the Peasantry and workmen; they are just as precious jewels of the Nation as ever Farming, Trade and Manufacture.