Newspapers / The Weekly Raleigh Register … / Sept. 15, 1835, edition 1 / Page 1
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. ... a-, mm run- - -- . .- mm ' ' " 1 . . r &yV!j ,rg?--'i? -. ' ' p "li, . cu 1 .1, - t1 i 4 Ours are the plans of fair delightful peace, unwarp'd.by party rage, to live like brothers. .a- f ' rraR13R?lOttjAlt Per Annum, V TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 135. voc?he xxxyi. JJL . ..' ' i if .1 i. 'i f; 1 3: 'f ! ft1 di it; . - f itr,y tt At to? f rrU J af se-t It t ; eh.' i rCKLIRHKII ETIWT TOtsnAT, department, wjthitt this State." Asi all J ha it been made the Religien of the these ucurations emanated from the same authority and at the same moment, it was proper, if possible, to give to them a con- truction which would render them cm- Taaitiaas Uw-ane hatf in ad'Tanee iitent yith each other. The enquiry was, TOoMwhoJ-tM whether sn expounded, the Constitution . or Mubsrqthently, cit liotie? of their vwhtahTe did nrohibit Catholics from holding a civ- th. Ppei diconunuea -t i expirtupn of the a uccu Thistiquiry I had recently yfr wdl bepresumed m Jnn t ,U conUnuy,c. hatl an;CCJl8iOII to pnwecute, at the re- Axr?racr?'v-n public eidploirnWht, with much care and dmm' m v',m . . with an earnest desire to come to a cor- woi aeewiny w,n mrArej rect d, ionj The result twhich I ..as . - . . .. I t li n fii-riv. ri w haw reTmili I. inn uliMit nnMlMrinn Wau f nt lcnvtll. I proportion. If th numbr of insertions U not on re-examtnatidn, lullj approYed, 'narked n them, tliey will lie continntJ until rl Not long after the great Schism whi ich !rcd out, and charged accordingly. arose in the Christian Church in the 1 6th century, the term Protestants was used to designate all Jthose denominations of Christians, which, however divided among themselves, then separated from the tnatn body ; while these claimed to be called Catholics or members of the Universal Church, and, because of their remaining in The Convention beine in Committee f union with the Bishop of Rgme as their xvJi. r. u ni..:. t.'..i I Chief Pastor and visible head, were also r ltWIv M HIS VIWIMULC ... ..11 n-1 I iOA- TrC TmRTT-SECOJVD ARTICLE. the Oast on spoke as follows called Roman Catholics. The clause dis qualifying those who should detij the State. Such a tribunal lias not been es tablished, nor under the 34th article of the Constitution can it be erected. In numerable sects, differing! each from the other in the interpretation of what all deem the revealed ' will of God some holding for divine truth what 'others re ject as pernicious error are indiscrimi nately called and ' Known as ifrotestants. But again, what is to be understood by denying its truth? Protestants have sep arated front the Cathtlics, because, as they all edge, the'latter have added to the Christian code, doctrines not revealed. Protestants therefore reject as error, or at all events aa of human invention, more or less of what! Catholics receive as di vine truth, i But there is no affirmative doctrine eiobraced by Protestants gene rally, 'which is not religiously prole.sed also by Catholics. The latter hold that the former err, not in what they be lieve, but' in what they disbelieve. The acknowledged symbol of faith in the Pro testa nt Episcopal Church in this couutry is the Apostles creed. This very creed is the ordinary profession ol faith in the it Li 1 11 1 1 . vatnouc isMurcii, anu as sucu is always repeated at. Baptism. Do Roman Calh oiics then come within the description 0 peronsdetiying'Ae truth ot the Proies tant Religiou ? But besides all this : be fore the Revolution, Roman Catholics la boured in the mother-country and in the colonies under grievous political and civ il disabilities; and wei e moreover keut Ir.tCAfltfrt the Piotestant Religion," might In which ! anv known to stand -with res- have been intended to incapacitate Roman .rt tn fher mi. tt ion now uiul. r consule-1 Catholics, and the subnositioti was re n- rstioni-'anutne cnaracier 01 me ueoaie ueieu ui mure iuci; uj mc vuusiucm 'irliich has already taken place upon it, tion that North Carolina had been settled may Ije'thmight! to render it indelicate in almost exclusively .by-Protestants, at a tnef fli interfere at all in the discussion, time nhen bitter religious disputes and But no considerations of delicacy ought prejudices prevailed, and that these pie in fl. t r m from the full' and faithful ner- iudices had not lost their force when the . -1 . . . . ! .. . .1 1 1 ... u: 1 1. fnrmince of mv duties as a Ueleeate ot Uonstitutioa was tratueu. uatuie clause uc luiiuuuinvu iu puouc uiuceis, which the People in tlus Convention. Besides, in question was part of the written lunda- they could not take. These disabilities ailence is -likely to subject me to much mental law ot the land, and ought to ue were aiucueu 10 incin oy piam anu.pusi rreater mis-ebnstruction than the most expounded according to the well estab- live words. They were called by the le- fratrk and fearless, exposition of my opin- lished rules of legal interpretation. Ac- gal iiuk-Rame ol fapists and Popish Ue ions. At all events, the Utter is the course cording to these unless it contained a ! . .t -" 1 ' ' . ti: - I 1 .1 1 : u ;,.. ,fK ,.ular. tO wincil 1 am prompieu uj iiiciiuaiiuii .icui uisuiutawuii iimujiui (.vihiuvi- well a's by a sense of propriety, and there-: led as leaving uuiiupaired the right ol the fmv-rfl it, that lmutt ask the patient and citizen to hold, and ol the country to con kind attention of this Committee and, fer office. The ftoplt l( Uie State have Sir. in reference to the peculiar situation aright to the service of every citixen to whc 1 have streaily alluded,' permit wnom tney uinK wormy auu v capa long to chlrghtened Christians of every the people call our attention to this Sec-' denomination. My course appeared tuition, and submit to us the nrnnrietv of so tne a plain one, and therefore I did not amending it that hereafter iti meaning hesitate to persue it. I iliall be gratifi- may be'understood. What excuse, what ed it my couutry approve of what I have apology, what pretence can he assigned done but whether it does or not, I have for givins theso-by to this manifest duty? -:. !".:- .1 .- : w 0 1 - .. . - uie cuu.uistuun, mai on niavure rruviisi-1 unw is a ruie oi acuon prescnoed oy me deration, my conscience does not reprove gover in power and commanding the re nte tor taking the omce wuch that coun-1 spectlul obedience otall within us sphere, try, with a full knowledge of all the cir- The very nature of such a rule implies cu instances, thought proper to uffer.to me. What it should be communicated, and of Une more, remark n what mav.be re- course rendered intellible to those who garded as the personal part of this discus- are to be bound by it. M'hat master must sion, and I shallathen cheerfully abandon be the worst of tyrants, will, purposely it altogether. A a citizen of North-Ca- declares his commands so as not to be tin. rolina having a deep concern jn her in- derstood by those subject to his will. stitutions and in her honor,;! yield to no Perhaps nothing has more effectually con- one in the interest which I feel, that this signed the name of Caligula to undvin? question should be properly decided. infamy, than the fact recorded of hi 01 by But as an individual, I beg it be under-1 Dio Gassius," that he wrote his edicts in a stood, that l am utterly indifferent as to very, small character and hung the raj bp thic determinatioff of the Convention and on;. high pillars, purposely to ensnare the of the People, except to desire that the people. But still by .he use of extraor Cbnstitutional provision may be rendeied dinary means, these could' be read, and perfectly explicit.! If it be thought essen- when read, it is presumed tliey might be tial to the good of the State that a mono- understood. But no diligence, 110 exer- poly of offices shall be secured to certain favored religious sects, let it be so de clared. He who now addresses you, wiil not feel a moment's pain, should such a decision render it his duty to return to private life. ' Office sought him lie sought not office. An experience of its cares. erce ti :n to the 1 . n; ice o conscience. unless he has a clear contic" contrary, may without sa6-; bHieve their judg-' nvtnt a safe guide for his conduct. But, ' te has tins clear conviction to the con- trtry, some think he, ought to ober the- in-'iruction, because he is but an Agentrf- .' M ...Ml J "V 1. . ''. . Hit 1 mar win. no. nis. ouzni ii Tern ,, U"questionablylhis is not . in)ffe opinion. I ld that he is more than an Agen t-thatj l'cs also a. member of a lMdy to wnich-, -Utjf ConUiiution has intrusted him with the-.' pa Ver of making faicslhit tlie deasroa is rjot a mere matter ot jfiilk bui of cofisul - f . iAn ufiiW '! . rll..J .r .l1 iKav 4i itm 1 I. 1 Ik 4$ St." i amyjudzment and that within the sphere of Relegated poweif-every -"functionary 1 v t boMul to do whatne verily tbelieve.thff public good demnnds, and to ibNt itjii; $A (nih all which his best judgment telHj- ertions, can enable the people to under- stanu wnac is not, tiesigued to ne under stood, and is therefore couchedjin words without defined meaning. A command so given, is 111 an unknown tongue and the Lexicon, by which it is to be translated, is withheld. If, however, its: labors and its responsibilities, has hot J perspicuity be required in' all laws, so tended to increase his attachment to it. that no law-maker can intentionally fail liethim but know what is the Constitution in it without 'guilt, how emphatically is ot his conntry, and be it in his judgment it not demanded in a Corvstilution the out ol office by precise oaths, required to ! w'.e. or unwitP mil or unpniial. h will r.J imritnl l-vKo . i,r,rr. , r.r oil .U. to the best ot his understanding and am- legated puvvers the palladium of all re lity, in his own case and in all cases, served rights ? Here, if possible, every uphold and defend it. So he has otten thing should , be made clear to the sworn, and as he acknowledges no power man of the plainest capacity, that he which can absolve, so he holds that no may know how much of his natural free inducement of ambition or interest, can d0m he has parted with, what are his du- exc.use hiin. from the exact and faithful ties, what are his privileges, and how he liif l will h iniiirimw' tn t t ' Slat. :$ I amV perfectly satisfied that . this i. . t Republican doctrine the only dCr trii;e which secures to the cotiStituit!; the''-best exercise of all the fajcirtHh v ofjiis Representative, and,l6ldsvthajfle" prCientative to a fuiraccountabiiitrfor f neglect to inform himself, for lias te- ' capilessness in decision, foci errry. judgment, as well as for wicknessVfluT-, ' . poss. dui ue ine lorce.oi insiruciiopyjun dejlour Constitution froai .elCotiltf; eiili to their Representative VwhatnthejF mf, I do most'decidedly and solemnly , . prest against any right f the People. of. ontiVyouniv in this State, to instructing 1 member of-, this Convention how, e shall fj ceive thesa . I id to whom ' ; 4: rcise ?The , , . f . . a. - - - . At a I cusants. Die 01 Keiiious At the Revolution, the princi- riecdum was proclaimed as the basis ot the new Constitution. , II the odious pros'criplious against this class . . i t u?Vt.. .. . .,1.. .... Vm.a . tl . I n! A... I 1. faB - t m jiciii in 1119 iicicgaicu IUIH.UUU9. I ,- frl'-.., Sjr, from whom loes he receive these futions what are they and is t accountable for their eterc vit e of the majority of theHjreojMe df- No th' Carolina, voting en masse,, called , thirConvention into being, aoiLgaye to m ibody and to every hieinbecfri it the j fulfilment of this oath. His only perplex- madistinguish between commands which filiations which they are; to exercise!- ity will be to know what course he ou;ht it is treason to resist, & oppression which 'l he following propositions,' says the of, Christians were diflibeiately intended to pursue, if the Convention should for- ,e would be a miscreant to endure. E- Oijnic Act shall be submitted- tVHhe tu be retained or' renewed, it was natural to expect that the test oaths would aUo bear to act on the subiert. Had he madelverv individual within the State is bound. People for their assent or dissent, the for- up his own inind on this point, he would at the cost of the last cent ot his treasure melfof which shalibe,understood by the not this moment reveal the determina- and the last drop of his blood, to uphold vot? "For Convention,', and the fatter b tibh to his nearest and dearest friend on and sustain that Constitutionsand' .wtll theji vote ).' No Convention. ?Trtiet, earth. But, in truth, he has endeavored, you purposely leave it unintelligible ? a ft ft the Pebple shall have giyCTlputas.-; as far as possible,' to hide even from him- Kvery officer, from the highest to the low- seii", the Delegates to Trame the proposed , self, the. result to which his reflections est, is required' to take an oath that he amendments are, by the Act,to be p. would seem to conduct him in that event, will support, maintain and defend that pointed by the Peoplelin the several coon- Mr. Chairman, in the act which autho- Constitution ; and will you intentionally tie! This affords to the citizens hf very . .1 : 1 U II II 1 1 n i . . . . 1 . 1 1 1 , . ' a r a e i isi'i. i tn. tnnibrace this onnortu nit v. the most ble of servins them, and there can be 'no be retained, or that this intention would nohlicWd imnoinr which cati be nresen-1 restriction on their choice except suchas be expressed in unambiguous language. ted, and the first fit one that hasMyefbeeri the have unequivocally iio poed on them- Before they shall be regarded as the vic- offered to make n explanation io the selves.' Kvery c'ltixea ha..ig an unalien- tuns of religious intolerance, and degra- People of North Carolina, ofthe circuror Mte right that ii,.a right which he can- ded frotn political rank, a distinct ex- tsnces trader which I accepted and con- not partith nor! Society take from him pression of constitutional law ought to be llnue 10 occupy me nig'i-juuiciai uuicr, i 10 worsmp rvuiiiguij uuu ottu;uiu;j w ure in.- vhich they have been pleased to confer j dictates of his own conscience, any pen unnn me. and which, some persons nuVl alt v or degradation imposed on hiin, be kloubt whether I am constitutionally quat.1 cause of ihe exercise oi this right, unless reason there was to suspect that this Convention is instructed to enquire mtoLieclare your meaning, and where you ing Jire most congenial with their "own ; ified to hodi 1 am not indeed aware thaH plainly denounced by the Uonslitution, 1 ciauso migut uac uecn inienucu oy some tlie expediency 01 amending, ana is know that your :neaningi3 not understood, anu secures 10 me convention the advan lariv one "'decent citizen of the State nasi must be regarded! as a grievous wron". 1 or more ol the Congress who framed the empowered It its discretion to amend the iivorder to alarm. timid, or to ensnare uu- tagls of a knowledge of the wishes, "and a I called in question the nuritr ot my roo-1 Ever nart of this short clause who consuiuwouti oioipu.e poiaicai ui-auui ies aaa aectioa 01 tne consiitution. ine enlightened consciences r ' ' symnainy witn me wants, otyerVTSecw tives or questioned the propriety of iqy -u-ii tnv which presents itself Here we have been met .by an obstacle Uioteot the State. Jiut thcDelegates once I conduct, or has expressed dissatisfaction iiir:(m ;tobe well considered. It is ob- a,,J 'oterp1-0111 excluding Catholics, hs, does the Article require amendment r to all enquiry, and ot course to all action, appointed, they come aso Agentuiidec at my course. fcUut this is an age 01 tie-i viiuSthat the terni denv'does not include as uu,, l,v'" "'"wv" ,Juac uscu U" t'1'5 pmi him guppuaeu, unui ci 7 interposed uy me genueman iroin v. range 1 uietifi: wi Aiiorney ror me wnpier -eo I . a a " . . . . l .o:.I. I . . ... "" ffln T :- i-f !?. ? I . '.I w - A traction. Calumnies are the ordinary fh-cii wru m.relri doubt, nor even those wuicaieu sucn a counici Deiween preju- :ateiy, mat a uinerence oi opinion wwa mr. weapons of warfare with religious asrwell whu jisoeiicvenipa. that disbelief be tliec atul Prllc.' rendered it iiu- not exist. Far be it from me wanton.y toUome '" JT . A K ... as poimcai laciions aim 11 x nave 1101 yet been assailed by sllnder on this sub- iect.it is not unlikely that I soon shall bei Considerations like these, sir, brought rises this Convention to be called and and advisedly-Weave a clause in it, havinglcouHty an opportunity of selecting those me to me conclusion twai whatever I which has been ratified by the people, .tne no distinct meaning where you reluse to wnese leeiing anu general Jnodes ot IhinK- Pnnuujilinn ie inctrnrli.il In Piinilira in III I A ..-In . .kfi maoirinn rwl tirK. .it lifir.rM wwwfr . nnivniil - 1. rsomelthft .xnedienr.v of ainendiiiir.' and is t nnw that vur -n.-tnintr ia not understood. I and-secures to the: C He informs us, that Iroin plepd.with instructions fiom llie whbra ccurrences which preceded the r.owie. Deiore they are pernuttedi to accompanied by some overt act of negation practicable to adjudge a clear victory to wound the feelings of any gentleman, or election in his county, which he does not foHKfin Copvention, these Tielegatesrv nflta truth To hlenv U the reverse ot either. A penal provision against a por- arrogantly to set up my notions of right particularly explain; and because the pbl?;ed to swear that they -vjHvrfojtrill - - - . ,. .. w This explanation is therefore due not only to my own character, but to the charac ter of the State, whose honor is always in volved in the fair fame of her sons. When an individual to lorbea of which he has not seen sufficient evi fl. n. p. nr tn which he can not vield his the vacancy occurred on the bench of the assent or that which on the whole he dis Supreme Courtt.which was occasioned by 5ejieves. What kind of overt act does the death or my exceneoi menu, niei (he nit i the reverie ui i iuivi. piui gaiua 'ui- 4i iugaiuij oc uj l"j iiauivuionj Aa.ij, wu tv.uov 1 rnvj. ii uvk hu, 'j i- .. .. . i. . .1 . i ... . i i i i.: ...i . i . .i . r i r iL.i i ri . n. . . i: j . affirm notof believe Manv considerations 1 110,1 01 l,lc 1,ccmcu 01 l"c omic , a. uisa-ias tne siauuaru oywnica mueis ougui mi choice 01 me reopie 01 mai couuiy leii teiji uic jiuwrrz, nor uisregaru ine 5111 fS hronrietv and of decency may induce uli,'S provision against the whole cominu- be governed j but where my convictions upon himself and his colleague, he con-tiesJthus required. of the pi by J he Whole . i. I . e V 1 - I tut v in its SHlectiunul civil nrti r irom oenyinjr mai , ; and disabling provisions because of reli gious opinions, which it was an unalieu bie right to possess and to follow out in practice ; could not, 1 thought, be upheld and enforced, unless clearly and uelini eFjl th :s thu cer : penal I are 'thorough and without doubt, I must Uiders the People of Orange as having m- Pestle. This Act limits their po-jveVs and I' H! J. . r!i be permitted o to state, them. Where Urucf th the path of duty seems to me as plain as this subie day, I must be allowed to call on my as- jo deny that any such instructions have pointed out, and i& lluir tltscreitohi thejr sociates, not to desert it. Sir, so indis- been given, and to call for the document may: propose certain other amendment is the oblisra- which authoritatively certifies them. I Lsub!ted to their consideration: Wiiliira leir Delegates not to take up thisfact contains their JnstructipnsTy- ct. Sir, I must be permitted shal frame certain am'erHlinenit)ienin -at any such instructions have pointed out, and ba Zieir discretion f thejr 11 pensa'blc, in my judgment, rely tiou ofjframing some amendment Uy this will not confound clamour however got 'theft limits, they become'a. consul tinsf ?se their acts have of themselves v i.n-tilnli-'ii nintmiinl.il as ihi fleui. Justice Henderson, I was urged to acceptl 1 ...i,;. u ic tli i,-;,;,, filiwil w.rMn.ritv? lively declared. The question was pu f tV. iifTir h. r. nnt whirh I found it!. e :. 1 r..:.u 1 une f lepal exnosition. It involved the Ser.tioSi. that 1 should hold tlie Convention I nn -tpiunorarv excitement nodular feel- Col .mposible to resist. It inecdless to say . of qm as ,cid and practised by oth- construction ol a written provision 111 the guilty of an. unpardonable dereliction f nig, more or less extensive with deltb- no Mrce their doings are to be;submit v -.t .f Uan tli.l rt m. " . . . P..netiiili.,i.il Imv nf tii n.irit.- II n Lliitu it 1 1 ailiiiurn m I -l v thp .. fn1mit "!. f tnlr. !ell. u'ltl. tl.plteil-Q the whole riiilll. nt i n r I n' iu(k'ment therTmade out sl plain case ol . u ,u .. u,,!.. ;f.H.i - i,iw.ri construction had been settled by judicial 1 section . untouched. In the course of gentleman on the fact of Instructions, and mflft", and if approved by the majoritr of not to decline the anrxnntinent. un- .. ., ;.....,... ,i.; ,;..k n I tribunals, a must be deemed the cur-1 this di . . . . ... .i KHWR-U niwri IV""" -' 1 -.1 ... .... .1. .li f.i- ...-1 . 1 .I. n .1 rr t I' -..-I.lr .".'. less the Constitution exciuaru me irom 11 1. cfKri.nt Hut have k en ireci one. 11 none nau ucea so scmeu, inree uays, me auiesi uieinuers 01 uus 00- uny, oecause, me reupic ui uiangc aiei"" 'S'tw mc; ucwnneuiivi um ?; ine aeeoieu suniciwni. uui wcn. w :.......:.. ..,1 -.i. :...i .1.. t, . ...r ..'u : .. f.n u'u.,i;.,n nr K c.. v . r --.".i'-.. 111911 UHIIFIIS I --w.v vi nib uiain A'IIJ UUI mill f th . ; that the because of mv reliirious opinions, lhat tr ... A. il. 4 vorstitution 1 nan reneaicuj .worn i" 1 . ; il v . a a 1. & u. a. a a a a . nunpori. an,ii iucrnuTe.inn n. , stronet tei ins the riht ot everv did not thus .'disqualify we was a senous l u wui,ip God according to thedic- qurstion and well worthy- t the fullest . t o hS own CUIISC,nce, and the 34th consideration It is not easy for atnan fecction expressly prohibits a preference to to speak of himself or of his principles, . one ryiigus CShurch or denomination, without dissustillS eROlism. It will be l, ;c linr,liv nAihle tn reconcile, the first 4. b a a - j - w - - - - - enough for ine to av, that trained from infancy to worship God according to the ucages, and tcarefully instructert-?in the erred of the most ancient and numerous society of Christians, in the world, after arrival at "mature age,-1 deliberately em bracfd from conviction, the faith which had been early instilled into my mind by maternal fietv. w iiiioui as 1 irusi, 01- ruaiTc nsieniaiion, l nawc ich niyseu i.i ..u t..i. ...... ; k nnnciM..! 1 en ine cuiisi.iuw.iuii niuwi luuiciai in- uy oae siaieu men viensaa iu u;c mean- 1 esiumteu iruui i:iiii suui ' . ."- . i .lo. ..... .ill. I. il n ti... I I... L...I ..r k inl -r .. f .. U.... ..tl.l.m.t mt rl...vn l nil lf ft P' tlPlinl. mam. t. II i - ! 4 Snf I f P f l r ha 111 II (if lvlhtS has asserted I uu" mua uuavii i t abvuiuing iu viiciiii iiiu uicidkiiuu ui tuc ai iitir auu j i, I CilUliUl gi' iuciii, wuiiuuii uisicgaiu i --t i""-!"; imhjvmij. vi vuo uxcu piiiivipica icji iwicipi eiaiiou, iccij niu ui ineiii nave iu.uiici m i uie inusi suiciuu iui au.es, anu muiuui i i - ins .1 uiiuiib, - ciiiicr must be taken by all to be the true con- the same exposition One informs us that (bringing down on themselves a dishonour restraining' the power or controlling jho struction. Private conscience was con-ut excludes ioodv--that it cannot -be in- which they never, never, will incur. uiso enon 01 uie ue legates on the proper terpreied to exclude any body that for With many a politician, the whole doc- subjects of their deliberations, H is a flaY want of a tribunal to enforce and expound trine, of instructions is but a pretext for I grant usurpation. If some counties , can it, the entire provision is a dead letter, as shunning responsibility, and shifting with thus tie up the understanding,' conscience if it had never been embodied 111 the in-1 every turn of popular caprice. Supposed strument Another thinks, that it clearlv excludes Atheists and such Deists as make a parade of their infidelity, by proclaim- impropriety add, that on a question wheie ing the Holy Scriptures to be false. A I was, above all, solicitous to have a clean third believes that it disqualifies Atheists, a? 1; r ii I' cerned so far as not to violate the law. But what the law was, conscience could nut determine, nor even private reaou With a constitutional penalty for the simple dt:c)d against either an official interpre- exercise of that right, or the other with a ,all0H actual y mane, or sucii arf must . - . - . I -..-...-It MAlrt I ll A IJ II 11 ...! t I u l-. monopoly of civil otlices to the prolessors rciu,l.n" . " ooociv- ..r -. nf ..aViieutar serf.. iWulea ed uy luaieiai tiiounais. l may without 4 Society generally legislates not upon opin ions but un acts, vv nere mis clause means to make Opinions a cause of dis- conscier.ee, i was not governed by my ion itexpiessivsayssoj orwholu"" --u.it m- .w -a- reli;.u nriacioies incomnati- sistance that 1 could obtain, and lhat I the freeftoin or safety of the w.a$ confirmed in these conclusions by the 1 rt(f; H-i:!i - i i" : "' Hm. 3, cA. 32) is b be evinced by wri-, Had lh olnc bee sgt as a mere inm5 tin2, nrinting, teaching or advised speak- matter o! personal ambition, I might have Pe inc. iUpeuthewholeitinayfairlvbein- deemed it safer to forego the gratification, lt " fefred that the word deny, as here used, ;Ulc.r th" t0 r,8Hue a pomoility of in- bound outwardly to profess, what I ui-1 c.. i in u Jnd lwi of En !!. I AiffAe efa authorities, both within and 1 1 it 1 . 1 ; r : . 1 " 1 r. 1 . -rarujj oriitTr, aim m mereiere an yow-i .,, k-recv the denial'' fSee. Q &l 101 uwnout ine oiaie. 0 f I . ff I IS.BI10 aa F --- 3-- ' I a . I a. eu, inoirgn unworthy memner i me Ko- ,y , r u --;nreil hv wri. Had tne oince Deen soucht as a mere H .roat a m I IF 1MU -3 a. - J i mm a-- Wa -w a a " 1 . w ... f '.ik.l '. 1 . I - - ' m man vsainuiib vuurcn. upon examining l4 uic.viiniiunii ui uie 01. ic wiui res to its requirement of a religious test apparent that he subject is not free from ... C!l(isfi.(rhv .n ihin .hurt of fringing eiiher the letter or spirit of the difficulty, e lli l.oj Iliglita Section 10) - dehlalt tfie Constitution Constitution. But, under such circum- which is mailCLAe basis of that Contitu- L . . - -:iJU .u i.:.k ..k;i. ...;. f stances, to decline an office which mv ' 1 iiikoc niii iirnarr 1 iiir iiiiii iiiiiii ciili' 1 r tio, declares Mhatall men have a nafu- " " , ,., conscience told me I was bound to take ral and unalienable right to worship Al-1 . ' - m w. hold civ. ollicc unless disabled by the Constitution, ap mifhtj Ud according to the dicta es of , . i r, i.tn,. 1' t abandonmeot of their own conscience, and the 34tli sec- ; duty. I had no Jwell-feundcd scruoles -;'.. ft tion of Uie Constitution lurther provides, "VI VJf,:l . r.i" mvself: To be deterred bv the aoprehen .1 . i . . . i . . ' , iu unnutrn il iu uecidic 11. itiac. iu i- . - . . . I. I . .MI.11 an n. ..II 1' p." - WT ' 'IM( -I'.HIC Mlill UC ll tlH.unmiiinin ui l -. " ' I. raign it as an imposition upon the credu 1 in. ..I'lAiiiiia 1 V. I . . Aiiftnt i ti t-.rin in .. r w . . . v . I lit V nl 111. P .iiile mi state, in nre erenceto any other." "v Hut whi'e these Dro.isionteein.tticoiitein-1 the next place, who shall judicially t. is the 4'roiesiani lveiigion r- If the Constitution defined the Protestant Religioner 1 1 the Protestant Religion were made the religion lof the. country, aiid p'tte a perfect equality 6f religious tests, tle 52d. section of the Constitution de- ithat no man who shall dehy the heins of God. or the truth of the Protest M Uefigioii, or the divine authority tbereere organized; some ecclesiastical 'uiorihe (.ni r XNew lestamentsor whoiUU,vr p'licr iriouuai w uc.ci hall hold relisious nriuclnlea incmnnati-JminelU tenets and to decide on heresy b,e with the freedom and aafetv l 'of, the I there would then be the means of legally Nate,.hali be ckiiabie.of lioldimr &nv'wr-lueteriuiniiis.wliat Is that Religion. But ficeor lace of trust or profit, in the "civil j16 Constitution does not define it, uoe sion ot what others might think ot my conduct, seemed fo me, rank cowardice. Besides, if Irom any mistaken motives of delicacy, 1 could have consented to im pose an interdict on myself, ought I by such. conduct to have practically aided in interpolating ttito the Constitution a pro hibitiort, whidi I did not believe it to - - contain F a provision insulting to the feehngs and injurious to the rights of a pbrtiun vof my fellow-citizens hostile to tne principles of Religious freedom, and abhorrent from all those sentiments of li beral toleration, which, at this day, be- Deists and Jews- fur that the latter ne cessarily deny the divine authority of the New; Testament, and Deists deny tlie di vine authority both of the New and Old Testament. A fourth supposesthatthe.se are excluded, and that it was intended also 5 to exclude Catholics; but that the language is not sufficiently explicit to warrant a judicial exposition to that ef lect. A filth holds that it was not only intended to exclude Jut,- by legal con struction, does exclude them. A sixth is satisfied that Quakers, Memnnnists and Dunkardsare disqualified, because their doctrine that:a-ms cannot lawfully be ued in the defence ot the country, is subversive of its very freedom and repug- nant to its safety. Sdtne think it will be a matter of fact for a Jury .to, del ermine others, a matter of law, fori Court, to pronounce what religious principles are incompatible with the freedom and safety of the -State while not a few, are inclin ed to; hold that the. Legislature may, in this re sped, define what the Constitution has left vacuo and uncertain, i It is also perfectly known to us, that the first men ofthe legal profession, out f this Hall the racter-differ also tri theirexposition instructions furnish a justification, or at least an excuse, tor every act. It he has erred, it was because Jie thought he was aii(Ivill of their Delegates, it is ajfratiil -f on fjie other counties who have theirs un? 'l fetUted. lliere can be no arrahzement nh final action unless these, theVh- instructed. Ue now finds' lhat he is in-1 instructed Delegates, the Delegates with stfuctfd otherwise and he will certainly JuUweri give in to the views presbrib- reverse what he hasloue amiss. Change ed ahome to the instructed and partial . as ye list, ye winds," he sails befoe the ly ejniver breeze. Hut there are men ot unques- oi of nions, consultation, discussion, are ttoned integrity and independence who. ascitis, when whatever majnbejtbe cori difter in opinion as to the just force of in-vvictln which these may produce, thecon- structions unaer ine isonsiuuiion. i nai i uvj m mc uuunu w ati aaiuai j?oiijw- the People have a right to assemble to- tion When gentlemen vlalfeotMntrac ether to instruct their Representatives, tion.froin their cohstitoeiiPlptlierJthari is solemnly declared by that Instrument; uie feat and cotumandiug instructions and this declaration would not have been froin f the collective bdy n the cPeoplev inserted, if it were not considered that who rave this Convention being, and for the Instruction, when given, was entitled who . weal or woe we are tonsuUtn n to respect. All agree in this : but tliey der" tie inost sacred and awfut obrigatt differ in defining the limits within, vrhich ons,.f t is but a proof, that tKeVlo not- .51 such Instruction is practically obligatory, elevsf je their inmda above -tbe ordinary ii They concur in declaring that itvcannnt rangjlof every day 1egtslatioxu.v Oar lire J! be obeyed where it directs any action for- hoVl yjcat, r nor temporary provisiohs,cair- bidden by the Constitution or by the law edylui by the emergencies oAhe day, or . of God i because no power on earth the convenience of particular "teetiontof, can absolve a man from his sworn obliga- tne iiate out universal onsuiutiopaj. ion to defend that Constitution or from his OrdiflaticesW which once adopted trtr duty to obey his griaf Creator. JPiey do capalle of change, save by reconriej to ; not practically dilier where thehstruction the j4untain of original 'soverdgiltyi; relates to a matter of local convenience,in Stibium cordaS. (eletate. your hearts,) which ihe opinion ofthe majority of those is thit'address of our; country to MS before concerned is of course theibest ciiteiion entering on i this sojaiint offiiaw Raist for deciding it. : The debateable grouiit yourHfJections, raise yourrtieigb.iW. is, with respect to those matters of where bove?Jho Interests, the exciieiwejnft.the first for knowledge and purity of cha-1 the public welfare is concerned. IheRep- j a-scms, the prejuaiceaoT pasfins; .-diffp also art their exnosition df the 1 re&entative will hereof course.be hanov to mom ml and, the i.iarfow circle ground, . -a . . " !1 i Article. Thi Cuirvention is assembled think with hi constituents will yield lot you.- Uiiisul.t for your .whole .eotm. to revise and amend the Constitution, and I their deliberate o pinipa very reat deter- try floMQU'lorbux couutry thr.ugbatl 1
The Weekly Raleigh Register (Raleigh, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Sept. 15, 1835, edition 1
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