[TheRealThing]

As to salvation, ingrafted branches. As to being the nation through which the lineage of salvation would come, unique. As to Roger Williams, I did not think we were discussing whether or not Roger Williams sought God's blessing upon Rhode Island, though he did seek his guidance in charterting a course toward religious liberty from the state and freedom from coercion by the church.

Exactly, and THE Church that he sought freedom from, was THE Church of England. Not the true Church of God. Roger Williams grew up in England. He fled the religious tyranny there to come here to worship in freedom, not how the Church of England told him to worship. And believe me, you were told.

As a member of the Church of England, one got punished if he broke the Sabbath day by working or some such trespass against the Ten Commandments. The Church was connected to the Crown and thus any with standing and an ax to grind, could control every aspect of men's lives. It was miserable and oppressive with nowhere to escape. Then came the news of America and the colonies. Desperate times demand desperate measures. Roger Williams along with his wife and children, left England with the second wave of immigrants.