THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION. 133 



ARTICLE VII. 

 EDUCATION. 



Sect. I. The legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide 

 by law for the establishment of schools throughout the State, in such 

 manner that the poor may be taught gratis. 



Sect. II. The arts and sciences shall be promoted in one or more sem- 

 inaries of learning. 



RELIGIOUS societies AND CORPORATIONS. 



Sect. III. The rights, privileges, immunities and estates of religious 

 societies and corporate bodies, shall remain as if the constitution of this 

 State had not been altered or amended. 



Sect. TV. The legislature shall not invest any corporate body or in- 

 dividual with the privilege of taking private property for public use, 

 without requiring such corporation or individual to make compensation 

 to the owners of said property, or give adequate security therefor before 

 such property shall be taken. 



ARTICLE VIII. 

 OF THE OATH OF OFFICE. 



Members of the general assembly, and all officers, executive and ju- 

 dicial, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support the constitution 

 of this commonwealth, and to perform the duties of their respective 

 offices with fidelity. 



ARTICLE IX. 



DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. 



That the general, great and essential principles of liberty and Iree 

 government may be recognised and unalterably established, We declare 

 THAT 



Sect. I. All men arc born equally free and independent, and have 

 certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of en- 

 joying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and pro- 

 tecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness. 



Sect. II. That all power is inherent in the people, and all free govern- 

 ments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, 

 safety and happiness: For the advancement of these ends, they have at 

 all times an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish 

 their government, in such manner as they may think proper. 



Sect. III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to wor- 

 ship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; 

 that no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect or support any place 

 of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; no human 



