Identify the author and title to which the following selecti…

Identify the author and title to which the following selection belongs.  ALSO, in 2-3 sentences explain the meaning and significance of the selection to the whole work: “But after these things, they could not continue in any peaceable condition, but were hunted and persecuted on every side, . . . some were taken and clapped up in prison, others had their houses beset and watched night and day, . . . and most were fain to fly and leave their houses and habitations and the means of their livelihood.”