Roger Williams (theologian)

:For other men named Roger Williams, see Roger Williams.

Settlement at Providence

In June Williams arrived at the present site of Providence and, having secured land from the natives (see Canonicus), he admitted to equal rights with himself twelve "loving friends and neighbors" (several had come to him from Massachusetts since the opening of spring). It was provided that "such others as the major part of us shall admit into the same fellowship of vote with us" from time to time should become members of their commonwealth. Obedience to the majority was promised by all, but "only in civil things." In 1640 another agreement was signed by thirty-nine freemen, in which they express their determination "still to hold forth liberty of conscience." Thus a government unique in its day was created--a government that expressly provided for religious liberty and a separation between civil and ecclesiastical authority.

Related Topics:
Providence - Canonicus

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The colony was named Providence, due to Williams's belief that God had taken care of him and his followers and brought them to this place.

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In 1637 some followers of Anne Hutchinson visited Williams to seek his guidance in moving away from Massachusetts. Like Williams, this group was in trouble with the Puritan theocrats. He advised them to purchase land on Aquidneck Island from the Native Americans. They settled in a place called Pocasset, which is now the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Among them were Anne Hutchinsons's husband William, William Coddington and John Clarke.

Related Topics:
Anne Hutchinson - Aquidneck Island - Portsmouth, Rhode Island - William Coddington - John Clarke

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In 1643 Williams was sent to England by his fellow citizens to secure a charter for the colony. The Puritans were then in power, and through the good offices of Sir Henry Vane a thoroughly democratic charter was readily obtained.

Related Topics:
Puritans - Henry Vane

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In 1647 the colony that had been planted on Rhode Island was united with Providence under a single government, and liberty of conscience was again proclaimed.

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On May 18, 1652 Rhode Island passed the first law in North America making slavery illegal.

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The area that is now Rhode Island became a safe haven for people who were persecuted for their beliefs--Baptists, Quakers, Jews, and others went there to follow their consciences in peace and safety.

Related Topics:
Baptists - Quakers - Jews

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Disagreement arose between the mainland towns of Providence and Warwick on the on one side and the towns of Aquidneck Island on the other. There was also disagreement (on the island) between the followers of John Clarke and those of William Coddington. Coddington went to England and in 1651 had secured from the council of state a commission to rule the islands of Rhode Island and Conanicut. This arrangement left Providence and Warwick to themselves. Coddington's scheme was strongly disapproved by Williams and Clarke and their followers, especially as it seemed to involve a federation of Coddington's domain with Massachusetts and Connecticut and a consequent imperiling of liberty of conscience not only on the islands but also in Providence and Warwick, which would be left unprotected.

Related Topics:
Massachusetts - Connecticut

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Many of the opponents of Coddington were by this time Baptists. Later in the same year Williams and Clarke went to England on behalf of their friends to secure from Oliver Cromwell's government the annulling of Coddington's charter and the recognition of the colony as a republic dependent only on England. This they succeeded in accomplishing, and Williams soon returned to Providence. To the end of his life he continued to take a deep interest in public affairs.

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