and to forget the afflictions of their
Bretheren who are under bondage: this is the forerunner of their
own downfall, and oftentimes proves the plague of 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 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