"--WINSTANLEY, _The True
Levellers Standard Advanced_.
By the publication of his earlier pamphlets, Winstanley seems to have
attracted a small band of earnest disciples, eager by their actions to
declare their adherence to the principles he had so fearlessly and
eloquently proclaimed. However, before taking the steps they had decided
on, they deemed it necessary openly and frankly to declare their
intentions to the world, more especially to those whose individual or
class interests would be likely to be affected thereby. Hence early in
1649, probably in the last days of March or the beginning of April, they
issued a pamphlet, signed by some 46 of them, which seems mainly from
Winstanley's pen, entitled:
"A DECLARATION FROM THE POOR OPPRESSED PEOPLE OF ENGLAND:[90:1]
Directed to all that call themselves or are called Lords of Manors
through this Nation, that have begun to cut, or that through
fear of Covetousness do intend to cut down the woods and trees
that grow upon the Commons and Waste Land."
The pamphlet opens with the following vigorous and pertinent words:
"We whose names are subscribed, do in the name of all the poor
oppressed people of England, declare unto you that call yourselves
Lords of Manors and Lords of the Land, that, in regard the King of
Righteousness, our Maker, hath enlightened our hearts so far as to
see that the Earth was not made purposely for you to be Lords of
it, and we to be your Slaves, Servants and Beggars, but it was made
to be a common livelihood to all.
Pages:
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140