 During this administration , the Quakers were finding the religious tolerance of Rhode Island to be a fertile ground for their missionaries , and they also found a safe haven from other colonies here . The Quakers not only found success in the spread of their religion , but also became a strong political force as well . Arnold was once again elected governor in 1671 , but in 1672 the governorship went to the Quaker Nicholas Easton , and the Quakers would hold the reins of power for three of the next five years . Arnold had , however , left a positive mark on the colony , and after more than ten years of Arnold leadership in the colony , the disorganization and fragmentary governments of the four towns were united and put in order , with courts established and an organized society put into motion . 
