Ecclesiastical affairs here were in an unsettled condition, so a “Parliamentary Committee,” known as “The Committee for the Propagation of the Gospel,” was formed, of which Cromwell himself was a member, to consider certain proposals of some twenty leading divines. Among the papers, one presented by Major Butler and others, contained the following clause:—
4. “Whether it be not the duty of the Magistrates to permit the Jews, ... to live freely and peaceably among us.”
This was accompanied by a comment, signed R.W.,[¹] in which he argues at length under seven different heads why “this wrong”—their exclusion should not be continued:—
[¹] Roger Williams.
“I humbly conceive it to be the Duty of the Civil Magistrate to break down that superstitious wall of separation (as to Civil things) between us Gentiles and the Jews, and freely (without this asking) to make way for their free and peaceable Habitation amongst us.”
“As other Nations, so this especially, and the Kings thereof have had just cause to fear, that the unchristian oppressions, incivilities and inhumanities of this Nation against the Jews have cried to Heaven against this Nation and the Kings and Princes of it.”
“What horrible oppressions and horrible slaughters have the Jews suffered from the Kings and peoples of this Nation, in the Reigns of Henry 2 (1133–1189), K. John (1167–1216), Richard I. (1157–1199) and Edward I. (1239–1307), concerning which not only we, but the Jews themselves keep Chronicles.”[¹]
[¹] The fourth paper presented by Major Butler to the honourable Committee of Parliament for the propagating the Gospel....
Also a letter from Mr. Goad, to Major Butler, upon occasion of the said paper and proposals.
Together with a testimony to the said fourth paper. By R. W.