18 DECLARATION OP EIGHTS.

Rotation in Of-
fices.

ART. 34. That a long continuance in the executive de-

partments of power or trust is dangerous to liberty ; a

rotation, therefore, in those departments is one of the best

securities of permanent freedom.

Holding Offices

ART. 35. That no person ought to hold at the same time

more than one office of profit, created by the Constitution

or Laws of this State ; nor ought any person in public

Present].

trust to receive any present from any Foreign Prince, or

State, or from the United States, or auy of them, without

the approbation of this State.

Religious Liberty

ART 36 That as it is the duty of every man to worship

God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him,

all persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious

liberty, wherefore, no person ought, by any law, to be

molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious

persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless

under the color of religion any man shall disturb the good

order, peace, or safety of the State, or shall infringe the

laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil, or

religious rights ; nor ought any person to be compelled to

frequent or maintain or contribute, unless on contract, to

maintain any place of worship or any ministry ; nor shall

any person be deemed incompetent as a witness or juror

who believes in the existence of God, and that under his

dispensation such person will be held morally accountable

for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor, either in

this world or the world to come.

Oath of Office

ART 37 That no other test or qualification ought to be

required on admission to any office of trust or profit, than

such oath of allegiance and fidelity to this State and the

United States, as mny be prescribed by this Constitution,

and such oath of office and qualification as may be pre-

scribed by this Constitution, or by the laws of the State,

and a declaration of belief in the Christian religion ; or in

the existence of God, and in a future state of rewards and

punishments.