He was, however, much too shrewd to think for a moment that
any such State could be ushered in all at once, or created by Act of
Parliament. For he continues:
"If the Common-wealth might be governed without buying and selling,
here is a Platform of Government for it, which is the ancientest
Law of Righteousness to Mankind in the use of the Earth, and which
is the very height of Earthly Freedom. But if the minds of the
people, through covetousness and proud ignorance, will have the
Earth governed by buying and selling still, this same Platform,
with some few things subtracted, declares an easy way of Government
of the Earth for the quiet of people's minds, and the preserving of
peace in the Land.
"HOW MUST THE EARTH BE PLANTED?
"The Earth is to be planted and the fruits reaped and carried into
Barns and Storehouses by the assistance of every family. If any man
or family want corn or other provisions, they may go to the
Storehouses and fetch without money. If they want a horse to ride,
go into the fields in Summer, or to the Common Stables in Winter,
and receive one from the Keepers, and when your journey is
performed, bring him where you had him, without money. If any want
food or victuals, they may either go to the butchers' shops and
receive what they want without money, or else go to the flocks of
sheep or herds of cattle, and take and kill what meat is needful
for their families, without buying and selling.
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