John Smyth commented on Calvinism:

It may perhaps be argued that believers baptism smacked too much of Anabaptism, a name which could still inspire horror and disgust. However, the actions of the Helwys congregation clearly demonstrate that they were unswayed by considerations of safety or popularity. They had chosen to be a tiny remnant of ten people rather than compromise their theological position. They had chosen to return to England and face persecution, a decision that cost Helwys his life. Two or three

Within a year of its formation, the Smyth congregation “seeing….that there was no hope of their continuance there, by a joint consent . . . resolved to go into the Low Countries.” The reason for leaving, according to Bradford, was government oppression: “they . . . were hunted and persecuted on every side . . . some were taken and clapped up in prison . . .” John Smyth presented a similar picture: “wee suffer bonds, losse of goods, banishment & death.”

Ronald Reagan with Graham and W.A. Criswell:

Shortly after his return to England Helwys published a little book entitled The mistery of Iniquity , which set forth for the first time in England the concept of complete religious freedom. With rare courage the former country squire of Broxtowe Hall sent a copy of his new book with an inscription to King James I. In words as eloquent as they are bold, Helwys admonished the king to heed a principle that must have been strange to one of James's background.