Men's consciences ought in no sort to be violated, urged, or constrained. And whenever men have attempted any thing by this violent course, whether openly or by secret means, the issue has been pernicious, and the cause of great and wonderful innovations in the principallest and mightiest kingdoms and countries...
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Consciences should not be forced or violated. Coercing belief leads to harmful outcomes and political upheaval in great kingdoms.
- In plain terms
- Do not force people's beliefs; it causes trouble.
- What can you take from it?
- Violating conscience leads to harm and chaos.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What happens when beliefs are forced?
- Is peace worth violating conscience?
Another view
Some claim force is needed to keep order.
More from Roger Williams
I was persuaded and am, that God's way is first to turn a soul from its idols, both of heart, worship, and conversation, before it is capable of worship to the…
Permalink to quote #5 All civil states with their officers of justice in their respective constitutions and administrations are proved essentially civil, and therefore not judges, g…
Permalink to quote #7 The natives are very exact and punctual in the bounds of their lands, belonging to this or that prince or people, even to a river, brook, &c. And I have known …
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
A civil sword (as woeful experience in all ages has proved) is so far from bringing or helping forward an opposite in religion to repentance that magistrates s…
Roger WilliamsRoger Williams quote #10 'This people draws its origin from Abraham, our father in faith The very people that received from God the commandment Thou shalt not kill itself experienced i…
John Paul II (Pope)John Paul II (Pope) quote #1 God requireth not a uniformity of religion to be enacted and enforced in any civil state; which enforced uniformity (sooner or later) is the greatest occasion …
Roger WilliamsRoger Williams quote #9