The Resolved Man's Resolution

The Resolved Man's Resolution is a religious text written by English political prisoner John Lilburne in 1647 while confined in the Tower of London. The book documents Lilburne's spiritual transformation and religious convictions during his imprisonment. Through scripture references and personal testimony, Lilburne defends his refusal to take oaths and explains his Leveller political philosophy and commitment to religious liberty. His prison writings became highly influential among Puritan and dissenting Christians in 17th century England. The narrative structure alternates between autobiographical passages about Lilburne's prison experience and detailed theological arguments drawn from Biblical sources. The book outlines the author's vision for religious and civil reform in England during the upheavals of the English Civil War. As both a personal confession and political manifesto, this text offers insights into the intersection of radical Protestant faith and emerging democratic ideals in revolutionary England. The work highlights tensions between individual conscience and state authority that would shape centuries of religious and political discourse.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of John Lilburne's overall work: Readers appreciate Lilburne's direct writing style and clear articulation of civil rights principles in works like "England's Birth-Right Justified." Many note his courage in confronting authority, with one Goodreads reviewer calling him "a voice of remarkable consistency in demanding legal rights we now take for granted." Readers value his detailed accounts of 17th century legal proceedings and his arguments for individual liberties. Several academic reviews highlight his practical approach to constitutional theory and accessible explanations of complex legal concepts. Common criticisms focus on the repetitive nature of his pamphlets and dense period-specific language. Some readers find his personal grievances overshadow his broader political messages. One Amazon reviewer noted his "tendency to belabor points through exhaustive examples." Most of Lilburne's works are now read in academic contexts rather than for general interest. His collected writings receive an average 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads (42 ratings) and 3.8/5 on Amazon (28 ratings), though many reviews come from scholarly sources rather than casual readers.

A Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen by Thomas Paine This text explores the fundamental rights of individuals and criticizes political authority through a lens of natural law.

Rights of Nature by Thomas Spence The work presents arguments for civil liberties and economic rights through specific political reforms in England.

An Arrow Against All Tyrants by Richard Overton This political tract establishes the concepts of individual sovereignty and self-ownership in relation to governmental power.

The Excellencie of a Free State by Marchamont Nedham The text examines the principles of republican government and popular sovereignty in mid-17th century England.

The Ready and Easy Way to Establish a Free Commonwealth by John Milton This political pamphlet outlines a republican system of government based on civil and religious liberties.

🔹 John Lilburne wrote this political tract in 1647 while imprisoned in the Tower of London, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to civil liberties even during confinement. 🔹 The book reflects Lilburne's role as a leading Leveller, advocating for radical democratic reforms including universal male suffrage and religious tolerance during the English Civil War period. 🔹 Despite being unable to read until age 21, Lilburne became one of the most prolific political writers of his time, earning the nickname "Freeborn John" for his passionate defense of civil rights. 🔹 The publication helped establish the concept of "freeborn rights," which influenced later democratic movements and documents, including the American Bill of Rights. 🔹 The book was published and distributed illegally, as many of Lilburne's works were, through an underground network of sympathetic printers who risked persecution to spread his ideas.