San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-01-19
Puritan Blue Laws.

piyen, we may notice many o1hei' 'h
detail. remembering that they were
paesed by those who favored liberty
and hnd fled from persecution. -,
Nv law. until 1863, the dead could
not be buried in Massachusetts, on SIM
day. except by special order OF the
magistrate. Meat could not be dressed
on Sunday. Sunday was extended
over saturday night, ond that was or
dered to be kept equally sacred. Ole
ment Walker gives as one OF the r"ri
tans' principles: "That If man be
questioned for any crime, though ms
iudges have neither competent WIT
nesses, proofs nor evidence OF his
ouiltiness, yet if they think in their
Conscience he is euilty, they may con
denim him out of the testimony OF their
own conscience"
In 1882 it was ordered by the colony
of New Plymouth that those who de-
clined Office be fined. In 1856 none
were to be allowed to become house
keepers or build cottages except by
government order.
Tn l64O any person who takes to-
bacco while upon jury was fined hve
shillings. In 1916, IF any person or
persons shall be founde or scene here
after taking tobacco publicly in the
open street, Of any towne," they were
to be fined. :, >,
In 1869 10 single person was allowed
to live by himself, or in any family ex-
cept su,h as the selectmen approve.
ANY person smoking on Sunday within
two miles of church was fined. Con-
stables we're empowered to break open
houses and arrest folks who remained
away from church. In 1878 none were
allowed to come into tho colony except
by order of the council. In 1911 any
person who worshipped any god but
the true god (and which that was the
court was to judge) should be put to
death. Blasphemy, with the same pro-
yiso, was similarly punished. IF any
Christian $50 called be witch, he or
they shall be put to DEATH" Persons
working, playing or travelling on Sun
day shall be fined, and if it appears
that the sin was proudly and pre-
sumptuously" committed, shall be put
to death.
From the Massachusetts Records,
1914:
"Ricl ard Waterman, being found err
roneous, heretical and obstinate, 1t was
ordered that he should be detained
prisoner till the quarter court III the
seventh month, unless five of the mag
istrates find cause to send him away,
which if they do, it is ordered that he
shall not return within this jurisdic-
ton, upon pain of DEATH" The COM
piler adds that such cases were fire.
auent. Connecticut enacted laws OF
similar character.
In 1886, ct is ordered that noe
young man that is not married nor
hath any servant and be noe public Of
ficer shall keep house by himself with
out the consent of the towne," under
penalty of Inc, nor shall any house
keeper take a young man to board
without similar permission.
In 1857 people are forbid buying
corn of the Indians, lest that market
be advanced to the prejudice of the
plantation markets. In 1860 no man
or woman, with a wife or husband in
foreign parts, is allowed to reside in
Connecticut over two years. In 1913
people are forbidden to join in or look
at Indian dances and games, as it en-
courages their "fooleries and devil
worship"
In 1916 daily family worship is ad-
vised under penalty of presentation by
the Grand Jury; and if persons wear
laces, silks, jewelry or gold buttons
they are to be- taxed in proportion to
their apparent and not their real means
In 164l lying is to be punished by fine
or bodily correction. Dlsobedlent
children are to be put to death.
mo one shall be freeman or give a
vote unless he be converted and mem
Der in full communion of one OF the
churches allowed in this dominion.
"No man shall hold office who is not
sound in the faith and faithful 70 his
dominion; and whoever gives vote to
such person shall pay fine OF =;
for the second offense he shall be dis
franchised.
mo Quaker or dissenter from the es-
tablished worship of this dominion
shall be allowed to vote for the election
of magistrate or any officer.
mo food or lodging shall be sup
piled to Quaker, Adamite or other
heretics.
"No ON shall run on the Sabbath
day or walk i'll his garden or else
where, except 20 and from church.
NO woman shall kiss her child on
the Sabbath or fasting day.
when 1t appears that an accused
have confederates and he refuse to dis
cover them he shall be racked.
mo one shall buy or sell lands with
out permission of the Selectmen."
"A drunkard shall have master APP
pointed by the Se'ectmen, who are TO
Il Iv,,-s,.0r