Pennsylvania Archives

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J. Severns & Company, 1901 - History
A collection of documents supplementing the companion series known as "Colonial records," which contain the Minutes of the Provincial council, of the Council of safety, and of the Supreme executive council of Pennsylvania.

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Page 515 - That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship 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; that no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience ; and that no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious establishments or modes of worship.
Page 138 - ... a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.
Page 515 - That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness.
Page 516 - 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.
Page 502 - The doors of each house and of committees of the whole shall be open, unless when the business shall be such as ought to be kept secret.
Page 503 - ... that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered; and if approved by two-thirds of that House, it shall be a law; but, in such cases, the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays...
Page 517 - All courts shall be open; and every man, for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person, or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered, without sale, denial, or delay.
Page 140 - An act more effectually to provide for the national defence, by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States " which act is in the words following vizt.
Page 516 - The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from unreasonable searches and seizures: And 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 [See 6 Binn.
Page 516 - 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...

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