134 AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY. 



authority can, in any case whatever, control, or interfere with the rights 

 ef conscience ; and no preference shall ever be given by law to any re- 

 ligious establishments, or modes of worship. 



Sect. IV. That no person who acknowledges the being of a God, and 

 a future state of rewards and punishments, shall, on account of his re- 

 ligious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office, or place of trust or 

 profit, under this commonwealth. 



Sect. V. That elections shall be free and equal. 



Sect. VI. That trial by jury shall be as heretofore, and the right 

 thereof remain inviolate. 



Sect. VII. That the printing presses shall be free to every person who 

 undertakes to examine the proceedings of the legislature, or any branch 

 of government ; and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right 

 thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of 

 the invaluable rights of man ; and every citizen may freely speak, write 

 and print on any subject; being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. 

 In prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the official 

 conduct of officers, or men in public capacity, or where the matter pub- 

 lished is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given 

 in evidence ; and in all indictments for libels, the jury shall have a right 

 to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court, as 

 in other cases. 



Sect. VIII. That the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, 

 papers and possessions, from unreasonable searches and seizures; and 

 that no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person or things 

 shall issue, without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without 

 probable cause supported by oath or affirmation. 



Sect. IX. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right 

 to be heard by himself and his counsel, to demand the nature and cause 

 of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have 

 compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor ; and in prosecu- 

 tions by indictment, or information, a speedy public trial by an impartial 

 jury of the vicinage: He cannot be compelled to give evidence against 

 himself, nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty or property, unless by 

 the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. 



Sect. X. That no person shall, for any indictable offence, be proceeded 

 against criminally by information, except in cases arising in the land or 

 naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or 

 public danger; or by leave of the court for oppression or midemeanor 

 in office. No person shall for the same offence be twice put in jeopardy 

 of life or limb ; nor shall any man's property be taken or applied to 

 public use, without the consent of his representatives, and without just 

 compensation being made. 



