20.
Those states which are considered to conduct their commonwealth more judiciously,
have it ordained by their laws, that, if any person shall have heard by rumor
and report from his neighbors any thing concerning the commonwealth, he shall
convey it to the magistrate, and not impart it to any other; because it has been
discovered that inconsiderate and inexperienced men were often alarmed by false
reports, and driven to some rash act, or else took hasty measures in affairs of
the highest importance. The magistrates conceal those things which require to be
kept unknown; and they disclose to the people whatever they determine to be
expedient. It is not lawful to speak of the commonwealth, except in council.
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