MENT IN THE EARTH AMONG
MANKIND?"

In the third chapter, under the above heading, Winstanley first points
out that--"The original root of Magistracy is Common Preservation; and
it rose up first in a private family," and then continues:

COMMON PRESERVATION.

"There are two roots whence Laws do spring. The first root 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 Righteousness
and Peace: and all particular Laws found out by experience
necessary to be practiced for common preservation, are the boughs
and branches of that tree."

THE INWARD LIGHT.

"And because among the variety of mankind ignorance may grow up,
therefore this Original Law is written in the hearts of every man,
to be his guide and leader; so that if an Officer be blinded by
covetousness and pride, and ignorance rule in him, yet an inferior
man may tell him when he goes astray. For COMMON PRESERVATION AND
PEACE IS THE FOUNDATION-RULE OF ALL GOVERNMENT: therefore if any
will preach or practice Fundamental Truths, or Doctrine, here you
may see where the foundation thereof lies."

SELF-PRESERVATION.

"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 Bretheren."

THE ROOT OF THE TREE TYRANNY.

"This is the root of the tree Tyranny, and the Law of
Unrighteousness; and all particular Kingly Laws found out by
Covetous Policy to enslave one Brother to another, whereby bondage,
tears, sorrows and poverty are brought upon many men, are all but
the boughs and branches of that tree Tyranny.... Indeed, this
Tyranny is the cause of all wars and troubles, 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 to 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,