«[...] my end, I make account, will evidently appeare, to be the peace and union of all, and to beget this judgement in the People and Parliament, that ‘tis the principall interest of the Commonwealth, that Authority should have equall respect, and afford protection to all peaceable good men alike, notwithstanding their difference of opinion, that all men may be encouraged to be alike serviceable thereunto» (The Compassionate Samaritane, 1644).
Getting acquainted with William Walwyn through some of his writings, published before 1644, is to have a glimpse at his ideas at an “auroral” stage, when, although prompted by contemporary social events, they were not yet influenced by the harsh logics of the political struggle that was to be waged in the context of the stark reality of the Civil War. If these ideas are remarkable for their far-reaching implications, they are also remarkable for their purity and independence, especially considering that they anticipate the brief but intense experience of the Levellers that was soon
to begin. This gives us a special perspective on this turbulent period in the history of the English Civil War: that of William Walwyn, who observes the political and social scene of his time, becoming emotionally and rationally involved. The essays containing his reflections comprise, in a nutshell, his history and his story.
