Page:The plot discovered; or, An address to the people, against ministerial treason (IA plotdiscoveredor00cole).pdf/51

 be as well off as their father. Besides (though we would not dispeople St. Stephens's by such an exclusion-Bill, as was passed in the day of Cromwell) yet while gaming is so much the rage, no man can be safely called wealthy, or supposed to be armed against temptation. Thus the actual possessors of power are few, and independent of the people: which is Despotism. And the manners of the Great are depraved, the sources of corruption incalculable, and consequently the temptations to private and public wickedness numerous and mighty: all which unite in precluding the probability of its proving a virtuous Despotism.

Hitherto nothing has been adduced that truly distinguishes our Government from Despotism: it seems to be a Government over, not by, or with the people. But this conclusion we disavow. The Liberty of the Press, (a power resident in the people) gives us an influential sovereignty. By books necessary information may be dispersed; and by information the public will may be formed; and