“Therefore the work of all true Magistrates is to maintain the Common Law, which is the root of right government, and preservation and peace to everyone; and to cast out all self-ended principles and interests, which is Tyranny and Oppression, and which breaks common peace.  For surely the disorderly actings of Officers break the peace of the Commonwealth more than any men whatsoever.”

     “ALL OFFICERS IN A TRUE MAGISTRACY OF A COMMONWEALTH ARE TO BE
     CHOSEN OFFICERS.

“He who is a true Commonwealth’s officer is not to step into the place of Magistracy by policy or violent force, as all Kings and Conquerors do, and so become oppressing Tyrants, by promoting their self-ended Interests, or Machiavilian Cheats, that they may live in plenty and rule as Lords over their Bretheren.  But a true Commonwealth’s Officer is to be a chosen one by them who are in necessity and who judge him fit for that work....

“When the people have chosen all Officers, to preserve a right order in government of earth among them, then doth the same necessity of common peace move the people to say to their Overseers and Officers—­’Do you see our Laws observed for our preservation and peace, and we will assist and protect you.’ And these words assist and protect imply the rising up of the people by force of arms to defend their Laws and Officers against any Invasion, Rebellion or Resistance:  yea, to beat down the turbulency of any foolish or self-ended spirit that endeavours to break their common peace.”

FAITHFUL OFFICERS AND FAITHLESS OFFICERS.

“So that all true Officers are chosen Officers, and when they act to satisfy the necessities of them who chose them, then they are faithful and righteous servants to that Commonwealth, and then there is a rejoicing in the City.  But when Officers do take the possessions of the Earth into their own hands, lifting themselves up thereby to be Lords over their Masters, the people who choose them, and will not suffer the people to plant the Earth and reap the fruits for their livelihood unless they will hire the land of them, or work for day wages for them, that they may live in ease and plenty and not work:  These Officers are fallen from true Magistracy of a Commonwealth, and they do not act righteously, and because of this sorrow and tears, poverty and bondages are known among mankind, and now that City mourns.”

     “ALL OFFICERS IN A COMMONWEALTH ARE TO BE CHOSEN NEW ONES EVERY
     YEAR.”

Winstanley believed that power of any sort, more especially if long enjoyed, tends to corrupt and to deteriorate.  He therefore advocates, and shows surprisingly good reasons for his advocacy, that new Officers should be appointed every year.  He says: