The law of freedom in a platform: or, True magistracy restored Humbly presented to Oliver Cromwel, General of the Common-wealths army in England. And to all English-men my brethren whether in church-fellowship, or not in church-fellowship, both sorts walking as they conceive according to the order of the Gospel: and from them to all the nations in the world. Wherein is declared, what is kingly government, and what is Commonwealths government. By Jerrard Winstanley.

Where began the first Original of Government in the Earth among Mankinde?

THe Original Root of Magistracy is common Preservation, and it rose up first in a private Family: for suppose there were but one Fami∣ly in the World, as is conceived, Father Adams Family, wherein were many persons.

Therein Adam was the first Governor or Officer in the Earth, because as he was the first Father, so he was the most wise in contriving, and the most strong for labor, and so the fittest to be the chief Governor. For this is the golden Rule,

Let the wise help the foolish, and let the strong help the weak. Psa. 35. 10. Rom. 15. 1, 2.

But some may say here, That Adam was under no Law, but his Will was a Law to him and his houshold; therefore from the root from whence Magistracy first rose, it is clear, That Officers are to be under no Law, but their own Wills, and the people are to be subject thereunto. I answer:

The Law of Necessity, that the Earth should be planted for the com∣mon preservation and peace of his houshold, was the righteous Rule and Law to Adam, and this Law was so clearly written in the hearts of his people, that they all consented quietly to any counsel he gave them for that end.

Therefore not Adams Will onely, but the Will of his People likewise, and the Law of common Preservation, Peace and Freedom, was the righ∣teous Law that governed both Adam and his houshould.

But yet observe, That from the Father in a Family was the first rise of Magisterial Government, because Children wanting experience of their own preservation, therefore such as are experienced, are to propound the Law of Government to them: and therefore from Adam to this day, the Law of common Preservation is the Rule and Foundation of true Magistracy: and it is the work of all Magistrates to help the weak and the foolish.

There are two root from whence Laws do spring.

The first root you see is common Preservation, when there is a principle in every one to seek the good of others, as himself, without respecting persons: and this is the root of the tree Magistracy, and the Law of Righ∣teousness and Peace: and all particular Laws found out by experience, necessary to be practised for common Preservation, are the boughs and branches of that Tree.

And because, among the variety of Mankinde, Ignorance may grow up; therefore this Original Law is written in the heart of every man, to be his guide or leader: so that if an Officer be blinded by covetous∣ness and pride, and that ignorance rule in him, yet an inferior man may tell him where he goes astray; for common Preservation and Peace is the Foundation Rule of all Government: and therefore if any will preach or practise Fundamental Truths, or Doctrine, here you may see where the Foundation thereof lies.

The second Root is Self preservation: when particular Officers seek their own Preservation, Ease, Honor, Riches, and Freedom in the Earth, and do respect persons that are in Power and Riches with them and regard not the Peace, Freedom, and Preservation of the weak and foolish among Brethren.

And this is the root of the Tree Tyranny, and the Law of Unrighteous∣ness, and all particular Kingly Laws found out by covetous Policy to en∣slave one brother to another, whereby bondage, tears, sorrows and po∣verty are brought upon many men, are all but the boughs and branches of that Tree, Tyranny; and such Officers as these are fallen from true Magi∣gistracy, and are no Members thereof, but the Members of Tyranny, who is the Devil and Satan.

And indeed this Tyranny is the cause of all Wars and Troubles, and of the removal of the Government of the Earth out of one hand into another, so often as it is, in all Nations.

For if Magistrates had a care to cherish the peace and liberties of the common people, and see them set free from Oppression, they might sit in the chair of Government, and never be disturbed.

But when their sitting is altogether to advance their own interest, and to forget the asslictions of Joseph, or their brethren that are under bon∣dage: this is a so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their own downfall, and oftentime proves the plague to the whole Land.

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 every one; and to cast out all self-ended principles and interests, which is Tyranny and Oppression, and which breaks common peace.

For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the disorderly actings of Officers break the peace of the Commonwealth more, then any men whatsoever.