Numb. 82
Mercurius Politicus.
Comprising the summe of all Intelligence,
with the Affairs and Designs
now on foot in the three Nations of
England, Ireland, and Scotland.
In defence of the Common-wealth, and
for Information of the People.
------ It à vertere Seria. {Hor. de
Ar. Poet.
From Thursday Decemb. 25. to Thursday, January 1. 1651.
THAT a Free State is much more excellent
then any other form of Government,
& that the People, qualified
with a due and orderly succession
of their supreme assemblies are
the best keepers of their own Liberties,
appears more evident still
by Reason:
A Seventh Reason is; because as in other Forms, those
persons onely have access to Government, who are apt to
serve the lust and will of the Prince, or else are Parties and
Compliers with some powerful Faction; so in this form of
Government by the People, the door of dignity stands open
to all (without exception) that ascend thither by the steps
of worth and vertue; the consideration where of hath this
noble effect in Free states; that it edges mens s[unr]irits with an