against the Common Liberty; but yet the abuse of it afterwards
proved wost pernitious, to the imbroyling of those
State with civil dissension, when it was perverted by some
petulant spirits, to an oppression of some few (and but few)
of their best deserving Citizens. The Romans also, in their
State of Liberty, retained this Freedom of keeping all persons
accountable, and accusing whom they pleased; but then
they were very cautious also, to retain that decree of the
Senate called S C. Turpilianum, in full force and vertue,
whereby a severe fine was set upon the heads of all Calumniators
and false accusers. The due observation of this
Rule preserved that State a long time from usurpation of
men in power on the one side, and from popular clamors and
tumults on the other.
A Fifth Caution is; that as by all means they Should beware
of ingratitude and unhandsom returns to such as have
done eminent services for the Commonweal; so it concerns
them, for the publick peace and security, not to impose a
trust in the hands of any person or persons farther, then as
they may take it back again at pleasure. The reason is, because
(as the Proverb saith) Honores mutant mores, honors
change men's manners; Accessions and continuations of Power
and greatness expose the minde to temptations: they
are fails too big for any Bulk of mortality to steer an
even course by. The Kingdoms of the world and the glories
of them, are baites that seldom fail when the tempter goes a
fishing: and none but he that was more then man could
have refused them. How many Free-States and Common-Weals
have paid dear for their experience in this particular!
Who by trusting their own servants too far, have been forced
in the end to receive them for their Masters Nor is it to be
wondred at by any, considering that immoderate power soon
lets in high and ambitious thoughts: and where they are
once admitted, no design absurd or contrary to a mans
Principles, but be rusheth into it without the least remorse
or consideration: for the spirit of ambition is a spirit of giddiness,
it foxes men that receive it, and makes them more
drunk then the spirit of wine; So that were they never so