managing of State-Affairs, which require wisdom and experience:
but as for making of Lawes, and the main Acts
of Supremacy, they were reserved to the grand Assemblies;
so that it seemes the People gave Rules where by to govern,
and the secrets of Government were intrusted in the hands
of the Senate. The People without the Senatick Councell
were like Sulphur and Mercury, ever in motion or combustion,
(as appears by the Story:) but the Senate were as Salt
to season, six and fasten the body of the People.
Nevertheless, it is very observable, that this Commonwealth
ever thrived best, when the People had most power, and used
most moderation: And though they made use of it now
and then to fly out into extravagant courses, yet they were no
lasting fits, like those distempers that brake out through the
Ambition of the Senators.
Besides, we cannot but take notice, that as long
as the Popular Interest continued regular and more
predominant than the other, so long the People
were secure of their Liberties, which enjoyment
was a good allay and recompence for many harsh
Inconveniencies that brake out when they were
irregular and unruly: Whereas, when the Senate
afterwards worm'd the People out of Power, as
that design went on by degrees, so Rome lost her
Liberty, the Senate domineering over the People,
and Particular Factions over the Senate, till those
Factions tearing one another to pieces, at length
hee that was head of the Paramount surviving
Faction, by name Casor, took occasion to
usurp over all; swallowing up the Rights and
Liberties of the Romans, in Gulph of a single
Tyrannie.