The Florida agriculturist., 1884-11-12
Connecticut's Blue Laws.


The good 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
regulations which were in force in the
early part of the last century.
The Governor and magistrates con-
vened in general assembly and supreme
power under God of the independent do
minion From the determination of the
Assembly no appeal shall be made.
Whosoever 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 controver-
sy without jury.
No one shall be freeman and give a
vote unless he be converted and a mem
ber 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 offence, and for the
second he shall be disfranchised.
Each freeman shall swear by the bles-
sing 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
Quaker, Adamite, or hereto.
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
anyone without warrant.
No one is to cross ferry but with an
authorized ferry-man.
No one shall run on the Sabbath day,
or walk in his garden or elsewhere, ex-
cept reverently to and from meeting.
No one shall travel, cook victuals,
make beds, sweep house, cut hair or
shave on the Sabbath day. pW
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
neighbors garden shall be deemed theft.
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 land without
permission of the selectmen.
Whoever publishes lye to the preju-
dice 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 Go.
Whoever wears clothes trimmed with
gold, silver or 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 a 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 music, except the drum,
u oliPSe oild jews Aitl
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.
Fornication shall be punished by COM
pelling marriage, as the court may direct.
Adultery shall be punished with death.
A man that strikes his wife shall pay
fine of ten pounds; woman that
strikes her husband shall be punished at
the discretion of the court.
A wife shall be deemed good evidence
against her husband.
No man shall court a maid in person
or by letter, without first obtaining the
consent of her parents. Five pounds
penalty for the first ofeace. Ten pounds
for the second, and for the third impris-
onment during pleasure:t~
\ Married persons must live together or
A be imprisoned.
7 Every male shall have his hair cut
\ round, according to cap.