Note 142 — Chapter V

Journals, IV. 269, 270. This wise and well-considered document contained many other very important suggestions; among which was that of an oath, test, or declaration to be taken by the delegates in Congress, previous to their admission to their seats. "It is indeed to be presumed," said the memorial, "that the respective States will be careful that the delegates they send to assist in managing the general interests of the Union, take the oaths to the government from which they derive their authority: but as the United States, collectively considered, have interests as well as each particular State, we are of opinion, that some test or obligation, binding upon each delegate while he continues in the trust, to consult and pursue the former as well as the latter, and particularly to assent to no vote or proceeding which may violate the general confederation is necessary. The laws and usages of all civilized nations evince the propriety of an oath on such occasions, and the more solemn and important the deposit, the more strong and explicit ought the obligation to be."