For there is neither Reason nor Equity that
a few men should go away with that Land and Freedom which the whole
Commoners have paid taxes, free-quarter, and wasted their estates,
healths and blood, to purchase out of bondage, and many of them are
in want of a comfortable livelihood.
"Well, these are the men that take away other men's rights from
them, and they are members of the covetous generation of
self-seekers, therefore unfit to be chosen Officers or to choose.
"WHO THEN ARE FIT TO BE CHOSEN OFFICERS?
"Why truly choose such as have a long time given testimony by their
actions to be promoters of Common Freedom, whether they be Members
in Church Fellowship, or not in Church Fellowship, for all are one
in Christ.
"Choose such as are men of peaceable spirits, and of a peaceable
conversation.
"Choose such as have suffered under Kingly Oppression, for they
will be fellow-feelers of others' bondages.
"Choose such as have adventured the loss of their estates and lives
to redeem the Land from bondage, and who have remained constant.
"Choose men of courage, who are not afraid to speak the truth; for
this is the shame of many in England at this day, they are drowned
in the dung-hill mud of slavish fear of men.
"Choose Officers out of the number of those men that are above
forty years of age, for these are most likely to be experienced
men, and to be men of courage, dealing truly and hating
covetousness.
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