See, for instance, the law which, on September 13, 1644, banished the Anabaptists from the State of Massachusetts.

("Historical Collection of State Papers," vol.
i.p.

538.) See also the law against the Quakers, passed on October 14, 1656: "Whereas," says the preamble, "an accursed race of heretics called Quakers has sprung up," etc.

The clauses of the statute inflict a heavy fine on all captains of ships who should import Quakers into the country.

The Quakers who may be found there shall be whipped and imprisoned with hard labor.