It is now upwards of seventy years since this excellent treatise was first presented to the public by the author, and, considering his celebrity as a writer, (especially among the Dissenters) it is presumed no apology is necessary for sending it again into the world: especially at the present interesting crisis, when the subject of RELIGIOUS TOLERATION, is become the topic of general conversation and discussion. This work comprises every thing of importance connected with the dreadful persecutions which have disgraced human nature, both in ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad; and is designed to prove that the things for which christians have persecuted one another have generally been of small importance; that pride, ambition, and covetousness, have been the grand sourses of persecution; and that the religion of Jesus Christ absolutely condemns _all_ persecution for conscience sake. In this Edition, I have wholly omitted Dr. Chandler’s “Preface,” which contains “Remarks on Dr. Rogers’ vindication of the civil establishment of religion,” and have substituted Memoirs of Dr. Chandler in its room: which I thought would be more generally acceptable to the reader. I have also omitted all his marginal notes of a controversial nature, being answers to Dr. Berriman, who had written a pamphlet entitled, “Brief remarks on Mr. Chandler’s Introduction to the History of the Inquisition.” These I conceived would be at present of little use. And as the republication of this volume is intended chiefly for _common_ readers, I have also left out all the Greek and Latin sentences interspersed in the work, judging that they would be of no real advantage to such persons. I have however retained Dr. Chandler’s authorities, so that the _learned_ reader may refer to them when he thinks proper. As to the body of the work, I have neither altered the sense nor the language. The additions I have made from that justly celebrated work, “Dr. Buchanan’s Christian Researches in Asia,” will, I hope, be deemed a valuable acquisition; and I beg leave here to express my grateful acknowledgments to the Rev. Author of that work, for the very polite manner in which he honoured my request, in permitting me to insert his “Notices of the Inquisition at Goa.” While this work was in the press, one of the most important events to Religious Liberty occurred, which has taken place since the glorious area of the Revolution, in 1688: viz. the repeal of the Persecuting laws, and the passing of the NEW TOLERATION ACT. This event is so closely connected with the subject matter of this work, and reflects so much honour on the British government and nation, that I feel highly gratified in affording the reader, a detail of the various steps which were taken to obtain that Act: which now effectually secures to every subject of the British Empire all the Religious Liberty he can expect or desire.