DECLARATION OF EIGHTS. 51

Art. 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required as a quali-
fication for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a decla-
ration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature pre-
scribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitu-
tion.

Art. 38. That every gift, sale or devise of land to any Minister,
Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or to any Religious
Sect, Order or Denomination, or to, or for the support, use or benefit
of, or in trust for, any Minister, Public Teacher, or Preacher of the
Gospel, as such, or any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination; and
every gift or sale of goods, or chattels, to go in succession, or to take
place after the death of the Seller or Donor, to or for such support,
use or benefit; and also every devise of goods or chattels to or for the
support, use or benefit of any Minister, Public Teacher or Preacher of
the Gospel, as such, or any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination,
without the prior or subsequent sanction of the Legislature, shall be
void; except always, any sale, gift, lease or devise of any quantity of
land, not exceeding five acres, for a church, meeting-house, or other house
of worship, or parsonage, or for a burying-ground, which shall be
improved, enjoyed or used only for such purpose; or such sale, gift,
lease or devise shall be void.

Art. 39. That the manner of administering the oath or affirmation
to any person ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, pro-
fession, or denomination, of which he is a member, generally esteem the
most effectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being.

Art. 40. That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably pre-
served; that every citizen of the State ought to be allowed to speak,
write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for
the abuse of that privilege.

Art. 41. That monopolies are odious, contrary to the spirit of a
free government and the principles of commerce, and ought not to be
suffered.

Art. 42. That no title of nobility or hereditary honors ought to be
granted in this State.

Art. 43. That the Legislature ought to encourage the diffusion of
knowledge and virtue, the extension of a judicious system of general
education, the promotion of literature, the arts, sciences, agriculture,
commerce and manufactures, and the general amelioration of the condi-
tion of the people.

Art. 44. That the provisions of the Constitution of the United
States, and of this State, apply as well in time of war as in time of
peace; and any departure therefrom, or violation thereof, under the
plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good government
and tends to anarchy and despotism.

Art. 45. This enumeration of Rights shall not be construed to
impair or deny others retained by the People.