Fundamental Laws of West New Jersey (1676):
<CHAPTER 16: That no men, nor number of men upon earth, hath power or authority to rule over men's consciences in religious matters, therefore it is consented, agreed and ordained, that no person or persons whatsoever within the said Province, at any time...shall be any ways...called in question, or in the least punished or hurt, either in person, estate, or privilege, for the sake of his opinion, judgment, faith or worship towards God in matters of religion. But that all and every such person, and persons may from time to time, and at all times, freely and fully have, and enjoy his and their judgments, and the exercises of their consciences in matters of religious worship throughout all the said Province.
CHAPTER 23: That in all public courts of justice...any person...may freely...attend the said courts, and hear and be present...that justice may not be done in a corner nor in any covert manner, being intended and resolved, by the help of the Lord, and by these...Fundamentals...every person...inhabiting the said Province, shall, as far as in us lies, be free from oppression and slavery.> 1676NJ001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1676NJ001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Fundamental Laws of West New Jersey, 1676.