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CONSTITUTION
New
York
1777
XXXVIII.
And whereas we are required, by the benevolent principles
of rational liberty, not only to expel civil tyranny, but
also to guard against that spiritual oppression and intolerance
wherewith the bigotry and ambition of weak and wicked priests
and princes have scourged mankind, this convention doth
further, in the name and by the authority of the good people
of this State, ordain, determine, and declare, that the
free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever
hereafter be allowed, within this State, to all mankind:
Provided, That the liberty of conscience, hereby
granted, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of
licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the
peace or safety of this State.
Source:
A Nation Dedicated to Religious Liberty 118 (Adams and Emmerich:
University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990)
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