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Tag: Massachusetts

Diary of William Bradford at Plymouth Plantation

Diary of William Bradford at Plymouth Plantation

William Bradford 1630   Of Plymouth Plantation CHAPTER I It is well known unto the godly and judicious, how ever since the first breaking out of the light of the gospel in our honorable nation of England, (which was the first of nations whom the Lord adorned therewith after the gross darkness of popery which had covered and overspread the Christian world), what wars and oppositions ever since, Satan hath raised, maintained and continued against the Saints, from time to…

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Mayflower Compact, 1620

Mayflower Compact, 1620

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Mayflower Passengers 1620 IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence…

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The Body of Liberties of the Massachusets Collonie in New England

The Body of Liberties of the Massachusets Collonie in New England

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Masschusetts 1641 Excerpts of the early Puritan laws related to religion   The free fruition of such liberties Immunities and priveledges as humanitie, Civilitie, and Christianitie call for as due to every man in his place and proportion without impeachment and Infringement hath ever bene and ever will be the tranquillitie and Stabilitie of Churches and Commonwealths. And the deniall or deprivall thereof, the disturbance if not the ruine of both.We hould it therefore our dutie and safetie whilst we…

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Trial of Anne Hutchinson

Trial of Anne Hutchinson

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Massachusetts Court 1637 Anne Hutchinson was a reputable Boston matron who began holding meetings after church to discuss the day’s sermons or the Bible. It was deemed a direct assault on the official church. Theologically, she believed that the Puritans emphasized good works too much and put insufficient emphasis on grace. She was brought before the general court, where her accusers were also her judges. She declared that the local clergy lacked inspiration from God, and asked what laws she’d…

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Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

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Massachusetts January 1, 1780 It was the right as well as the duty” to worship “the Supreme Being.” While some states were moving to end the practice of having official, taxpayer-supported “established” religion, Massachusetts continued with the practice. They did, however, become more pluralistic In the sense that before the war, state support went mostly to the Congregational Church, the ancestors of the Puritans. This constitution allowed and encouraged taxpayers to provide “the support and maintenance of public Protestant teachers…

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Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

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Massachusetts April 9, 1821 Art. VI. Instead of the oath of allegiance prescribed by the constitution, the following oath shall be taken and subscribed by every person chosen or appointed to any office, civil or military, under the government of this commonwealth, before he shall enter on the duties of his office, to wit:”I, A. B., do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and will support the constitution thereof. So help…

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A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop, 1630

A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop, 1630

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John Winthrop 1630 OD ALMIGHTY in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission.The Reason hereof: 1st Reason. First to hold conformity with the rest of His world, being delighted to show forth the glory of his wisdom in the variety and difference of the creatures, and the glory of His power…

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Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, October 29, 1775

Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, October 29, 1775

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John Adams October 29, 1775 Unlike Madison and Jefferson, Adams for many years believed that taxpayer support of religion – the approach taken in New England – was a good idea. There is, in the human Breast, a social Affection, which extends to our whole Species. Faintly indeed; but in some degree. The Nation, Kingdom, or Community to which We belong is embraced by it more vigorously. It is stronger still towards the Province to which we belong, and in…

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A Memoir of the Life and Times of Isaac Backus

A Memoir of the Life and Times of Isaac Backus

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Isaac Backus January 1, 1858 Isaac Backus was one of the most important Baptist leaders of the revolutionary era. He argued fervently against persecution of Baptists and in favor of separation of chuch and state. Here he describes how he was dispatched to visit the members of the Continental Congress to plead against the religious establishment in Massachusetts. Adams resisted his pleas. Oct. 14th. In the evening there met at Carpenters’ Hall, Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert…

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