at the Word of God might be consulted with to find out a
healing Government, which I liked well, and waited to see such a
Rule come forth, for there are good Rules in the Scripture if they
were obeyed and practised.

"I laid aside this in silence, and said I would not make it public;
but this word was like fire in my bones ever and anon--_Thou shalt
not bury thy talent in the earth_. Thereupon I was stirred to give
it a resurrection, and to pick together as many of my scattered
papers as I could find, and to compile them into this method, which
I do here present to you, and do quiet my own spirit. And now I
have set the candle at your door; for you have power in your hand
to act for Common Freedom if you will: I have no power."

He then continues to indicate his own views, as also the outlines of the
scheme the details of which are unfolded in the body of his work, and
warns Cromwell that--

"It may be here are some things inserted which you may not like,
yet other things you may like; therefore I pray you read it, and be
as the industrious bee, suck out the honey and cast away the weeds.
Though this Platform be like a piece of timber rough-hewed, yet the
discreet workman may take it and frame a handsome building out of
it."

OF COMPENSATION.

"It may be you will say, If Tythe be taken from the Priests and
Impropriators, and Copyhold Services from Lords of Manors, how
shall they be provided for again; for is it not unrighteous to take
their estates from them?

"I answer, When Tythes were first enacted, and Lordly Power drawn
over the backs of the oppressed, the Kings and Conquerors made no
scruple of conscience to take it, though the people lived in sore
bondage of poverty for want of it; and can there be scruple of
conscience to make restitution of this which hath been so long
stolen goods? It is no scruple arising from the Righteous Law, but
from Covetousness, who goes away sorrowful to hear he must part
with all to follow Righteousness and Peace."

He then explains that under his scheme even the privileged classes would
not be injured, since they would share with the rest of the community.

OF RICHES.

"But shall not one man be richer than another?

"There is no need for that; for riches make men vainglorious,
proud, and to oppress their brethe