Chapter I, article
3
That all persons have a natural and unalienable right, to
worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences and
understandings, as in their opinion shall be regulated by the word of God; and
that no person ought to, or of right can be compelled to attend any religious
worship, or erect or support any place of worship, or maintain any minister,
contrary to the dictates of conscience, nor can any person be justly deprived or
abridged of any civil right as a citizen, on account of religious sentiments, or
peculia[r] mode of religious worship; and that no authority can, or ought to be
vested in, or assumed by, any power whatever, that shall in any case interfere
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 Lord's day, and keep up some sort of religious
worship, which to them shall seem most agreeable to the revealed will of God.
Chapter II, section
16
The Representatives having met, and chosen their Speaker
and Clerk, shall each of them, before they proceed to business, take and
subscribe, as well the oath or affirmation of allegiance hereinafter directed
(except where they shall produce certificates of their having theretofore taken
and subscribed the same) as the following oath or affirmation: You _____ do
solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this Assembly, you will not
propose, or assent to, any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to you
injurious to the people, nor do nor consent to any act or thing whatever, that
shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as
declared by the Constitution of this State; but will, in all things, conduct
yourself as a faithful, honest Representative and guardian of the people,
according to the best of your judgment and ability. Under the pains and
penalties of perjury.
Chapter II, section
17
The Representatives having met on the day appointed by law
for the commencement of a biennial session of the General Assembly, and chosen
their Speaker, and the Senators having met, shall, before they proceed to
business, take and subscribe the following oath, in addition to the oath
prescribed in the foregoing section: You _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm)
that you did not at the time of your election to this body, and that you do not
now, hold any office of profit or trust under the authority of Congress. So help
you God. (Or in the case of an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of
perjury. The words "office of profit or trust under the authority of Congress"
shall be construed to mean any office created directly or indirectly by
Congress, and for which emolument is provided from the Treasury of the United
States, other than that of a member of the commissioned or enlisted personnel in
the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States while not on
extended active duty.
Chapter II, section
56
Every officer, whether judicial, executive, or military, in
authority under this State, before entering upon the execution of office, shall
take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation of allegiance to this
State, (unless the officer shall produce evidence that the officer has before
taken the same) and also the following oath or affirmation of office, except
military officers, and such as shall be exempted by the Legislature. The Oath or
Affirmation of Allegiance You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will be
true and faithful to the State of Vermont, and that you will not, directly or
indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitution or Government
thereof. (If an oath) So help you God. (If an affirmation) Under the pains and
penalties of perjury. The Oath or Affirmation of Office You do solemnly swear
(or affirm) that you will faithfully execute the office of _____ for the _____
of _____ and will therein do equal right and justice to all persons, to the best
of your judgment and ability, according to law. (If an oath) So help you God.
(If an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Chapter II, section
68
Laws for the encouragement of virtue and prevention of vice
and immorality ought to be constantly kept in force, and duly executed; and a
competent number of schools ought to be maintained in each town unless the
general assembly permits other provisions for the convenient instruction of
youth. All religious societies, or bodies of people that may be united or
incorporated for the advancement of religion and learning, or for other pious
and charitable purposes, shall be encouraged and protected in the enjoyment of
the privileges, immunities, and estates, which they in justice ought to enjoy,
under such regulations as the general assembly of this state shall direct.