4
We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable
to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious
opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of
others; but we do not believe that human law has a right
to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of
men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil
magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should
punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.
5
We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective
governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and
inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition
and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be
punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right
to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to
secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred
the freedom of conscience.
• • •
7
We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right,
and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the
free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they
have a right in
justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in
their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws
and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.
• • •
10
We believe that all religious societies have a right
to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the
rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be
for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any
religious society has authority to try men on the right
of property or life, to take from them this world’s goods, or to put
them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical
punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their
society, and withdraw from them their fellowship.
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