Born on September 13, 1660, the English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer and spy Daniel Defoe fka as Daniel Foe became famous popularizing the writing form known as a novel with his works including Robinson Crusoe prior to his passing on April 24, 1731.  He wrote many political tracts that led to much trouble with the authorities.  He was a prolific writer crafting more than 300 works on such topics as politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology and the supernatural.  In addition, he was a pioneer of business and economic journalism.

The Shortest-Way With the Dissenters; Or, Proposals for the Establishment of the Church is a pamphlet first published in 1702.  This was in response to increased hostility toward the Dissenters when Queen Anne ascended to the throne. This led to Defoe’s arrest for seditious libel.

You may read The Shortest Way With Dissenters here:

Alternatively, you may listen to a backgrounder on Defoe that will provide some insight as to the oppression of the Dissenters and its part in his life here: