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.

"_First_, Thou knowst that the Earth in all Nations is governed by
buying and selling, for all the Laws of Kings hath relation
thereunto. Now this Platform following declares to thee the
Government of the Earth without buying and selling, and the Laws
are the Laws of a free and peaceable Commonwealth....

"Every fam