Maryland Constitution (1867):
<PREAMBLE. We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare...
ARTICLE 24. That Slavery shall not be re-established in this State; but having been abolished, under the policy and authority of the United States, compensation, in consideration thereof, is due from the United States...
ARTICLE 36. That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought, by any Law to be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion, or profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under the color of religion, he shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or maintain, or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain, any place of worship, or any Ministry; nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief;
provided, he believes in the existence of God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefore either in this world or the world to come.
ARTICLE 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.
ARTICLE 38. That every gift, sale or devise of land, to any Minister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or to any Religious sect, Order or Denomination, or to, or for the support, use or benefit of, or in trust for, any Minister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or any Religious sect, Order or Denomination; and every gift or sale of goods, or chattels, to go in succession, or to take place after the death of the Seller or Donor, to or for such support, use or benefit; and also every devise of goods or chattels to or for the support, use or benefit of any Minister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or any Religious sect, Order or Denomination, without the prior, or subsequent, sanction of the Legislature, shall be void;
except always, any sale, gift, lease or devise of any quantity of land, not exceeding five acres, for a Church, meeting house, or other house of worship, or parsonage, or for a burying ground, which shall be improved, enjoyed, or used only for such purpose; or such sale, gift, lease, or devise shall be void.
ARTICLE 39. That the manner of administering an oath or affirmation to any person, ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession, or denomination, of which he is a member, generally esteem the most effectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being.> 1867MD001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1867MD001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Maryland Constitution, 1867.