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 bretheren, and are the occasion of
wars. No man can be rich but he must be rich either by his own
labors, or by the labors of other men helping him.
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