Charles has been described as more liberal on the issue of religion. He wished for liberty of worship, and he was genuinely tolerant. Many of Charles' subjects were "Dissenters." These were Protestants who favored an individual's right to interpret God's word without the guidance of a priest. They were the Baptists, Ranters, Quakers and others, all insisting that they be allowed their own course toward salvation. The name Baptist was a shortened version of Anabaptist, Anabaptist ideas having spread from the Dutch, the first Baptist church appearing in England in the year 1612. Another sect, which made its appearance during the republic, was called the Fifth Monarchy Men. They believed that a new rule was coming that would be the successor to the Roman Empire, a rule in which Jesus Christ would reign on earth, with his saints, for one thousand years.
