Memoir of Roger Williams, the Founder of the State of Rhode-Island

"Memoir of Roger Williams, the Founder of the State of Rhode-Island" by James D. Knowles is a historical narrative that recounts the life of Roger Williams, emphasizing his role as a champion of religious freedom and founder of Rhode Island. The story begins by sketching Williams' early days and the conditions in England that pushed him to seek a new life in America, acknowledging limited information about his youth but noting his caring spirit and dedication to freedom of thought. It follows his arrival in 1630, his immediate engagement with different religious groups, and his rising worries about the treatment of Native Americans and the separation of church and state, all of which fueled his disputes with the Puritan leaders and eventually led to his expulsion. Overall, the book establishes Williams as a central figure in the fight for religious liberty during a volatile time.