“If you say, This will make men quarrel and fight; I answer, No.  It will turn Swords into Ploughshares, and settle such a peace in the Earth as Nations shall learn war no more.  Indeed, the Government of Kings is a breeder of wars, because men being put into the straits of poverty, are moved to fight for Liberty, and to take one another’s estates from them, and to obtain Mastery.  Look into all Armies and see what they do more, but make some poor, some rich, put some into freedom others into bondage:  and is not this a plague among mankind?

“Well I question not but what Objections can be raised against this Commonwealth’s Government, they shall find an answer in this Platform following.  I have been something large, because I could not contract myself into a lesser volume, having so many things to speak of.”

THE ONE THING NECESSARY.

“I do not say nor desire that everyone shall be compelled to practice this Commonwealth’s Government; for the spirits of some will be enemies at first, though afterwards they will prove the most cordial and true friends thereunto.  Yet I desire that the Commonwealth’s Land ... may be set free to all that have lent assistance{10} either of person or purse to obtain it, and to all that are willing to come in to the practice of this Government, and be obedient to the Laws thereof.  And for others who are not willing, let them stay in the way of buying and selling, which is the Law of the Conqueror, till they be willing.”

CONCLUSION.

     “And so I leave this in your hand, humbly prostrating myself and it
     before you, and remain, A true lover of Commonwealth’s Government,
     Peace and Freedom. 
                                             “GERRARD WINSTANLEY.
     “November 5th, 1651.”

TO THE FRIENDLY AND UNBIASSED READER.

The somewhat long, though comprehensive, letter to Cromwell is followed by one addressed “To the Friendly and Unbiassed Reader,” in which a very different tone is adopted, and which runs as follows: 

“READER,—­It was the Apostle’s advice formerly to try all things, and to hold fast that which is best.  This Platform of Government which I offer is the original Righteousness and Peace in the Earth, though he hath been buried under the clod of Kingly Covetousness, Pride and Oppression a long time.  Now he begins to have his Resurrection, despise it not while it is small; though thou understand it not at the first sight, yet open the door and look into the house; for thou mayst see that which will satisfy thy heart in quiet rest.”

SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF HIS PLAN.

     “To prevent thy hasty rashness, I have given thee a short
     compendium of the whole.