Preamble
We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging,
with grateful hearts, the goodness of the great Legislator of the universe, in
affording us, in the course of His providence, an opportunity, deliberately and
peaceably, without fraud, violence or surprise, of entering into an original,
explicit, and solemn compact with each other; and of forming a new constitution
of civil government, for ourselves and posterity; and devoutly imploring His
direction in so interesting a design, do agree upon, ordain and establish the
following Declaration of Rights, and Frame of Government, as the Constitution of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Article II
It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society,
publicly, and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme Being, the great Creator
and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or
restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshiping God in the manner
and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his
religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public
peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship.
Article VI,
Amendment
Instead of the oath of allegiance prescribed by the
constitution, the following oath shall be taken and subscribed by every person
chosen or appointed to any office, civil or military under the government of
this commonwealth, before he shall enter on the duties of his office, to
wit:
"I, A. B., do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith
and allegiance to the
Provided, That when any person shall be of the denomination
called Quakers, and shall decline taking said oath, he shall make his
affirmation in the foregoing form, omitting the word "swear" and inserting
instead thereof the word "affirm;" and omitting the words "So help me God," and
subjoining, instead thereof, the words "This I do under the pains and penalties
of perjury."
Article XI,
Amendment
Instead of the third article of the bill of rights, the
following modification and amendment thereof is
substituted.
"As the public worship of God and instructions in piety,
religion and morality, promote the happiness and prosperity of a people and the
security of a republican government; -- therefore, the several religious
societies of this commonwealth, whether corporate or unincorporate, at any
meeting legally warned and holden for that purpose, shall ever have the right to
elect their pastors or religious teachers, to contract with them for their
support, to raise money for erecting and repairing houses for public worship,
for the maintenance of religious instruction, and for the payment of necessary
expenses: and all persons belonging to any religious society shall be taken and
held to be members, until they shall file with the clerk of such society, a
written notice, declaring the dissolution of their membership, and thenceforth
shall not be liable for any grant or contract which may be thereafter made, or
entered into by such society: -- and all religious sects and denominations,
demeaning themselves peaceably, and as good citizens of the commonwealth, shall
be equally under the protection of the law; and no subordination of any one sect
or denomination to another shall ever be established by law."
Chapter V, section
1
Whereas our wise and pious ancestors, so early as the year
one thousand six hundred and thirty-six, laid the foundation of Harvard College,
in which university many persons of great eminence have, by the blessing of God,
been initiated in those arts and sciences, which qualified them for public
employments, both in church and state: and whereas the encouragement of arts and
sciences, and all good literature, tends to the honor of God, the advantage of
the Christian religion, and the great benefit of this and the other United
States of America -- it is declared, that the President and Fellows of Harvard
College, in their corporate capacity, and their successors in that capacity,
their officers and servants, shall have, hold, use, exercise and enjoy, all the
powers, authorities, rights, liberties, privileges, immunities and franchises,
which they now have or are entitled to have, hold, use, exercise and enjoy: and
the same are hereby ratified and confirmed unto them, the said president and
fellows of Harvard College, and to their successors, and to their officers and
servants, respectively, forever.