40 research outputs found
Radicalism and reverence: the political thought of Gerrard Winstanley
No full textOne of the most undeservedly neglected political theorists of the seventeenth century, Gerrard Winstanley is a fascinating figure who wrote broadly and creatively on issues that appear surprisingly modern to his present-day readers. His theoretical approach to the English revolution knit together such diverse concerns as Puritanism, the emerging market economy, and the dilemmas of radical politics. His strong commitment to both personal autonomy and collective action led him towards an alternative to the Puritanism, market institutions, and political violence that he analyzed.In his incisive new book, George Shulman examines the life and work of this important thinker. He traces Winstanley's movement from theorizing about God and the "rebirth" of the self to active leadership of the "diggers," a group of radical activists who occupied not yet enclosed common lands. As Winstanley both used and moved beyond his own Puritan heritage, he was able to confront the social and political realities of his time in a language that related them to psychological experience. His richly metaphoric language, and the vision of freedom it embodied, joined psychological, social, and political dimensions of life.By imaginatively reconstructing Winstanley's unified approach to the 1640s, this book seeks to illuminate what was at stake at that time and relate it to contemporary debates about the self, politics, and language. Shulman creates a conversation across time about questions that still animate thinkers today
A vvatch-vvord to the city of London, and the Armie: wherein you may see that Englands freedome, which should be the result of all our victories, is sinking deeper under the Norman power, as appears by the relation of the unrighteous proceedings of Kingstone-Court against some of the Diggers at George-hill, under colour of law; but yet thereby the cause of the Diggers is more brightened and strengthened: so that every one singly may truly say what his freedome is, and where it lies. / By Jerrard Winstanly.
No full textA new-yeers gift for the Parliament and Armie: shewing what the kingly power is; and that the cause of those that they call Diggers is the life and marrow of that cause the Parliament hath declared for, and the Army fought for; the perfecting of which work, will prove England to be the first of nations, of the tenth part of the city Babylon, that fals off from the Beast first, and that sets the Crown upon Christs head, to govern the world in righteousness: / by Jerrard Winstanley a lover of Englands freedom and peace.
No full textThe law of freedom in a platform: or, True magistracy restored Humbly presented to Oliver Cromwel, General of the Common-wealths army in England. And to all English-men my brethren whether in church-fellowship, or not in church-fellowship, both sorts walking as they conceive according to the order of the Gospel: and from them to all the nations in the world. Wherein is declared, what is kingly government, and what is Commonwealths government. By Jerrard Winstanley.
No full textA declaration from the poor oppressed people of England, directed to all that call themselves, or are called Lords of Manors, through this nation; that have begun to cut, or that through fear and covetousness, do intend to cut down the woods and trees that grow upon the commons and waste land.
No full textThe breaking of the day of God wherein, four things are manifested : I. That the two witnesses are not in ki[ll]ing, but in rising from death, II. The three dayes and half, or 42. months of the saints captivity under the beast, very near expired, III. Christ hath begun to reign in his saints, and to tread their corrupt flesh under his feet, IIII. Christs dominion over the nations of the world, near the approach / by Gerrard VVinstanley.
No full textFire in the bush The spirit bvrning, not consuming but purging mankinde, or, The great battell of God Almighty between Michaell, the seed of life, and the great red dragon, the curse fought within the spirit of man : with severall other declarations and testimonies of the power of life / by Jerrard Winstanly.
No full textThe saints paradise or, the Fathers teaching the only satisfaction to waiting souls. Wherein many experiences are recorded, for the comfort of such as are under spirituall burning. The inward testimony is the souls strength. / By Jerrard Winstanley.
No full textAn appeale to all Englishmen, to judge between bondage and freedome, sent from those that began to digge upon George Hill in Surrey; but now are carrying on, that publick work upon the little heath in the parish of Cobham, neare unto George Hill, wherein it appeares, that the work of digging upon the commons, is not onely warranted by Scripture, but by the law of the Common-wealth of England likewise.
No full textTruth lifting up its head above scandals Wherein is declared what God Christ Father Son Holy Ghost Scriptures Gospel Prayer Ordinances of God are. By Gerrard Winstanly.
No full text
