Christians who refused to bow the knee to the state church have always been persecuted by state churches. We who call ourselves Baptist need to know what we believe and why. History is an important window into what God used to form His people. This book is intended to provide a look back into the history of the Baptists, both in England and the USA. We read of persecution by state church rulers who fled the persecution of the state church in Europe. John Clarke's Ill News From New England recounts the tribulations faced by Baptists in the New World during the 17th century. It's not always been peaceful in this country for people who value peace with God over peace with men.
John Clarke (October 1609 – 20 April 1676) was a physician, Baptist minister, co-founder of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, author of its influential charter, and a leading advocate of religious freedom in America.
