The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1884-10-17
COnnecticut's Blue Laws.

COnnecticut's Blue Laws.
The people of Connecticut must have
had lively times in the old days, when
the famous blue laws were in force. Here
is compendium of the Puritan rcgula-
lions which were in force in the early
part Of the last century. 1t must have
been cheerful task to live up to them.
The governor and magistrates con-
vened in general assembly are the SUI
preme power under God of the indie
pendent dominion. From the determi-
nation of the assembly no appeal shall
be made
Whosoevcr says there is power and
jurisdiction above and over this domin-
ion shall suffer death and loss of prop
erty.
Conspirators. attempting to change or
overturn this dominion shall suffer death
The judges shall determine controversy
without a jury.
No one shall be freeman and give a
vote unless he be converted and mem
Der in full communion with one of the
churches allowed in this community.
No man shall hold any office who is
not sound in the faith and faithful to
this dominion, and whoever gives vote
to such person shall pay fine of twenty
shillings for the first offense, and for the
second he shall be DISTINGUISHED.
Each freeman shall swear by the bless
ing of God to bear true allegiance to
this dominion, and that Jesus is the only
king
No Quaker or dissenter from the wor
ship of the established dominion shall be
allowed to give vote for the election of
magistrates or any officer.
No food or lodgings shall be afforded
a Quaker, Adamite, or heretick.
If any person turns Quaker he shall be
banished and not suffered to return but
upon pain of death
No priest shall abide in this dominion
he shall be banished, and suffer death on
his return. Priests may be seized by any
one without warrant.
No one is to cross ferry but with an
authorized ferryman.
No one shall run on the Sabbath day
or walk in his garden or elsewhere, ex-
ccpt reverently to and from meeting.
No one shall travel, cook victuals,
make beds, sweep house, cut hair, or
shave on the Sabbath day.
No woman shall kiss her child on the
Sabbath or fasting day.
The Sabbath shall begin at sunset On
Saturday.
To pick an ear of corn growing in a
neighbours garden shall be deemed theft.
A person accused of trespass in the
night shall be judged guilty, unless he
clear himself by his oath.
When'it appears that an accused has
confederates, and he refuses to discover
them, he may be racked
No one shall buy or sell lands without
permission of the selectmen.
Whosoever publishes I've to the pref
udice of his neighbor shall sit in the
stocks or be whipped fifteen stripes.
No minister shall keep a school.
Whoever brings cards or dice into this
dominion shall pay fine of So.
Whoever wears clothes trimmed with
gold, silver o. bone lace above two shil-
lings by the yard shall be presented to
the grand jurors, and the selectmen shall
tax the offender at $500 estate.
A debtor in prison swearing he has no
estate shall be let out and sold to make
satisfaction,
Whoever sets fire in the woods and it
burns house shall suffer death; and the
/ persons suspected of this crime shall be
imprisoned without benefit of bail.
No one shall read common prayer,
keep Christmas or saints days. make
minced pies, play cards, or play on any
instrument of musick, except the drum,
trumpet and Jews harp.
No gospel minister shall join people in
marriage, the magistrates only shall join
in marriage, as they may do it with less
scandal to Christ's church.
When parents refuse their children
convenient marriages the magistrates
shall determine the point.
A man that strikes his wife shall pay
a fine of e10; woman that strikes her
husband shall be punished at the dis
erection of the court.
A wife shall be deemed good evidence
against her husband.
No man shall court maid in person
| or by letter without first obtaining the
consent of her parents. Five pounds
penalty for the first oifense; e10 for the
second, and for the third imprisonment
during pleasure,
Married persons must live together or
be imprisoned.
Every male shall have his hair cut
round, according TO cap.