Church, Benjamin

(1639-1718), of Ma achusetts, soldier, was active in King Philip’s War, was in the Great Swamp Fight in the Narragansett country, and finally compa ed Philip’s death on August 12, 1676. v Church and State in America. The relationship of Church and State in the United States differs from all previous relationships in Europe and in the colonies. In the colonies of Ma achusetts and Connecticut, the Congregational Church was established; in most of the others the Church of England. Rhode Island, Maryland and Pennsylvania early provided for religious freedom. The Revolution brought disestablishment and religious freedom in several States. There are two provisions in the Constitution of 1787 bearing on the question of religion which secure its freedom and independence. In Article VI. it is declared that ‘‘ no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” But this was not deemed a sufficient guarantee for absolute religions freedom, so the first amendment was to the effect that ‘‘ Congre shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”” In the Legislatures of some of the States a fear was early expre ed that government might pa into the hands of Roman Catholics, Jews or infidels, but the spirit of freedom everywhere proved too strong to admit of religious tests in matters of government. State conventions held to ratify the Constitution all proposed amendments guaranteeing religious freedom. Hence followed the first amendment. There are of course certain limitations to religious liberty, which have,been set by law. In 1882, in the case of the Mormons, Congre prohibited polygamy and was sustained by the Supreme Court. Church Membere’ Suffrage. In 1631 a law was enacted by the Ma achusetts A embly, providing that no man should be a freeman of the colony unle he became a member of some church. This requirement was abolished under the charter of 1691. A similar rule prevailed in the New Haven colony, 1639-1662. 150