ABSTRACT
Inherent in the position of the Pilgrims who came to Plymouth was separation from the Church of England. Their consciously achieved religious independence implied in the thinking of some of their leaders a recognition that religious diversity is inevitable and that toleration of religious differences is as wise as it is necessary. If religion is to be kept pure, argued John Robinson, the state must not invade the realm of faith with establishments and coercive measures; the government has "no power against the laws, doctrine, and religion of Christ". Men should seek toleration, said Robinson, not only when they feel themselves threatened by a powerful competition; they should seek a principled toleration, issuing from strength instead of weakness, from conviction instead of expediency. In contracting for a government, they contracted for a government of the laws and not of men.
