It is said that to the day of his death he retained a firm belief that the spirit of English liberty would demand a new revolution, which was achieved in England while he was on his death-bed.
Another victim of the restoration, selected for his genius and integrity, was Sir Henry Vane, the benefactor of Rhode Island.

This ever faithful friend of New England and liberty adhered with undaunted firmness to "the glorious cause" of popular liberty, and, shunned by every one who courted the returning monarch, he became noted for his unpopularity.

When the Unitarians were persecuted, not as a sect but as blasphemers, Vane interceded for them.

He also pleaded for the liberty of the Quakers, and as a legislator he demanded justice in behalf of the Roman Catholics.

When monarchy was overthrown and a Commonwealth attempted, Vane reluctantly filled a seat in the council, and, resuming his place as a legislator, amidst the floating wrecks of the English constitution, he clung to the existing parliament as to the only fragment on which it was possible to rescue English liberty.