The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-28
RELIGIOUS TEST OATHS IN EARLY
STATE contributions.

We print on another page fac smile
of the test oath required Of certain Of
ficials of the colonial government Of Vir-
gnia. In these days of religious free
dom it will surprise many to learn the
religious test oaths required in the con-
stitutions OF some Of our States since
the establishment Of American independ-
ence and freedom. and the provision
which was made for the support Of re-
ligion by law.
1t is remarkable that the constitution
of Rhode Island. which was nothing else
than the charter granted by Charles H.,
a hundred years before these constitu-
tions were adopted. allowed absolute lib
erty on religion and imposed no tests or
restrictions whatever on that account.
The extracts which we give below are
from the earliest constitutions of the
respective States.
one need not doubt what would be the
result of any attempt TO incorporate such
provisions in a state constitution at TINS
day. when opposition is boldly made TO
the use of the Bible in the public Schools
MARYLAND.
Adopted August H. 11l6.
That. as il is the duty OF every man.
to worship God in such manner as ne
thinks most acceptable to Him. all per
sons. protesting the Christian religion
are equally entitled 10 protection IN thell
religious iihertv. The Legislature
nav. in their discretion. lay a general and
equal tax. for the support or the Ohils7
tan religion. leaving TO each lhdlNluudl
the power Of appointing the payment
over OF the money, collected from hiili,
TO the support of any particular place Oh
vorshin or minister. or for the benefit
OF the poor OF his own denomination Vi
the poor in general OF any particular
country.
Adopted Friday. September 90 lII6:
Everv pcrson who shall he chosen
member of either House, or appointed
TO any Office or place OF trust before
taking his seat or entering upon inc
execution of his office. shall take the
following oath or affirmation. II con-
scientiously scrupulous OF taking an OATH
to-wit:
Il. A. y. will bear true allegiance to
the Delaware State, submit 10 its con
stitution and laws. and do no act Wit
tingly. whereby the freedom thereof may
be prejudiced.
And also make and subscribe the fol-
lowing declaration. to-wit;
81. A. r. do profess faith in God the
Father. and i'm Jesus Christ his only SON
and the Holy Ghost one God, blessed for
ever more. and | do acknowledge the
holp scriptures OF the Old and New Tes-
lament TO be given by Divine Inspira-
ton"
And all officers shall also take an oath
OF Office.
NORTH CAROLINA.
Adopted December lS 1716:
That no person, who shall deny the
being of God or the truth OF the Prot
estant religion, or the divine authority
either of the Old or New Testament or
who shall hold religious principles IN
compatible with the freedom and safety
OF the State, shall be capable OF holding
any office. or place of trust or proht, In
the civil! department. within this state.
VERMONT.
Adopted July. Z. l1sG.
And that no authority can, o. ought 10
be vested in, or assumed. by any power
whatsoever. that shall in any case inter
fere with, or in any manner control, the
rights of conscience. in the free exercise
OF religious worship: Nevertheless,
every sect or denomination of Christians
ought to observe the Sabbath or Lords
day. and keep up some sort OF religious
worship, which to them shall seem most
agreeable TO the revealed will of God.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Adopted the second Wednesday Of Feb
ruary, 1892:
40 moraiity and piety, rightly grounded
on evangelical principles, Will give the
best and greatest security 10 Govern
ment, and will lay. In the hearts OF men,
the strongest obligations TO que suplec-
tion. and as the knowledge OF these is
most likely TO be propagated through
society. by, the institution OF the public
worship OF the Deity. and OF public In
struction In morality and religion; there
fore. to promote those Important purnosss