The civil state is humbly to be implored to provide in their high wisdom for the security of all the respective consciences, in their respective meetings, assemblings, worshipings, preachings, disputings, etc., and that civil peace and the beauty of civility and humanity be maintained among the chief opposers and dissenters.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Williams asks the state to protect the safety of religious groups and meetings. He wants civil peace maintained among those who disagree.
- In plain terms
- The state should protect religious groups and keep peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Governments should protect religious assembly and peace.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should states handle religious disagreement?
- What makes a peaceful society?
Another view
Some fear too much tolerance weakens social order.
More from Roger Williams
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Permalink to quote #20
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