Concerning Persecution

Which is, The Afflicting or Punishing that which is Good, under the Pretence of its being Evil. Which Practice is contrary to the very Nature of Mankind which would be Good and do Good, and have Good Cherished, and Evil Suppressed, both in it self and others. It is contrary also to all Equal and Righteous Government, which is for the suppressing of Evil, and cherishing of Good, and not for the afflicting and crushing of that which is Good, upon pretence of its being Evil. Yet this unhappy Error will alwayes be committed in Nations and Governments, until the proper Right and just Liberty of Men's Consciences be discerned, acknowledged and allowed. Likewise, There are some Answers given to that common Objection, against affording Conscience its due Liberty, because Evil Persons may pretend Conscience to escape the just Punishment of their Evil Deeds. With a brief Account of that supposed Stubbornes, which by many is objected against the People called Quakers. Given forth in love to this Nation, that at length the true bot- tom and foundation of a lasting Peace and Settlement may be espied, the Spirits of the Governors and People fixed thereon, and that dangerous Rock of Persecution care- fully avoided by all