There goes many a ship to sea, with many hundred souls in…
“There goes many a ship to sea, with many hundred souls in one ship, whose weal and woe is common, and is a true picture of a commonwealth or a human combination or society. It hath fallen out sometimes that Papists, Protestants, Jews, and Turks may be embarked in one ship; upon which supposal I affirm that all the liberty of conscience that ever I pleaded for turns upon these two hinges: that none of the Papists, Protestants, Jews, or Turks be forced to come to the ships prayers or worship, nor be compelled [restrained] from their own particular prayers or worship, if they practice any.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates religious liberty, arguing that diverse faiths must coexist without forced worship.
In simple terms: People of different religions should be free to practice their own faith.
Key Takeaway
Respect others' religious freedom.
Themes
religious liberty
tolerance
diversity
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
- community building
- education
- legal frameworks
Key Concepts
secularism
human rights
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance free worship with public order?
- What policies best protect minority religions?
A Different Perspective
Enforcing tolerance can be difficult when deep prejudices exist.