When was it published?

August 19, 1813 in Virginia Argus

Editorial August 19, 1813

Virginia Argus

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Moral Or Religious, Constitutional

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Charles Ii, Church Of England, British Navy And Army Officers

Q: What keywords are associated?

Religious Oaths, Sacrament Requirement, Anti Popery Declarations, Blasphemy, Public Office Morality

Richmond, Virginia

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What is this article about?

Critique of a Charles II-era English statute mandating that public officials receive the Church of England sacrament and take anti-popery oaths, even if morally unfit, labeling it blasphemy. Signed 'Penn. Repub.'

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

By an English statute, passed in the time of Charles II, it is enacted that 'every person who shall be admitted into any office, civil or military, shall within three months after his admission receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, according to the usage of the Church of England, in some public Church on the Lord's day immediately after divine service and sermon.' They are then to take the oath of allegiance, the oath of supremacy, and the oath of abjuration; & lastly, to make the declaration against transubstantiation and the declaration against popery.

It may well be imagined that the officers of the British navy and army are not in general very exemplary for piety and morality. But no matter how debauched—no matter how notorious the profligacy of the new appointed officer—the sacrament of the Lord's Supper must be administered to him.

Some would call this blasphemy; others would style the author of it the bulwark of our religion.

Penn. Repub.

What sub-type of article is it?

Moral Or Religious Constitutional

What keywords are associated?

Religious Oaths Sacrament Requirement Anti Popery Declarations Blasphemy Public Office Morality

What entities or persons were involved?

Charles Ii Church Of England British Navy And Army Officers

Editorial Details

Primary Topic

Religious Oaths For Public Office

Stance / Tone

Critical Of Religious Tests

Key Figures

Charles Ii Church Of England British Navy And Army Officers

Key Arguments

Statute Requires Sacrament And Anti Popery Oaths For Officials Administered Regardless Of Officer's Morality Or Profligacy Practice Seen As Blasphemy By Some