Numb. 73.
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 October 23. to Thursday Octob. 30. 1651.
LIberty is the most precious Jewel under the Sun;
And therefore when it is once in possession, it
requires more than an ordinary Art and Industry
to preserve it: But the great question is,
which is the safest way; whether by committing
it into the hands of a Standing Power, or by placing the
guardianship in the hands of the People in a constant succession
of their supreme Assemblies? The best way to determin
this, is by observation out of old Roman Stories; whereby it
plainly appears, that People never had any reall Liberty, till
they were possess of the Power of calling and dissolving the
supreme Assemblies, changing Governments, enacting and
repealing Laws, together with a Power of chusing and deputing
whom they pleased to this work, as often as they should
judge expedient, for their own well being, and the good of
the Publick. This power is said to be first-torn of that