At the turn of the 17th century, an English lawyer named Thomas Helwys had become part of a separatist congregation in Lincolnshire (it is to this congregation that many Baptists trace their roots). They were dissenters from the Church of England, established by King Henry VIII. In what is considered the first written call for religious freedom in the English language, Helwys wrote, â??If the Kingâ??s people be obedient and true subjects, obeying all humane laws made by the King, our Lord the King can require no more: for menâ??s religion to God is betwixt God and themselves; the King shall not answer for it, neither may the King be judge between God and man.â?
According to William M. Pinson Jr., â??[King James I] had Helwys thrown in Newgate Prison, a terrible place, filled with rodents, insects, disease, filth, and hardened criminals. Helwys, a devout pastor and peaceful citizen, had done nothing violent or immoral to warrant such punishment.â? He died in prison.
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