“Whereas, the most considerable persons in the land came to these parts of America, that they might enjoye Christe, in his ordinances without disturbance; and whereas, amongst many other precious meanes, the ordinances have beene and are dispensed amongst us with much purity and power, they took it into their serious consideration that a due maintenance might bee provided, and settled, both for the present and the future, for the encouragement of the minister’s worke therein; and doe order that those who are taught in the Word, in the several plantations, bee called together, that evry man voluntarily sett downe what hee is willing to allow to that end and use; and if any man refuse to pay a meete proportion, that then hee bee rated by authority, in some just and equall way; and if after this any man withhold, or delay due payment, the civil power bee exercised as in other just debts.” The “Capitall Lawes” were severe, and the executive officers a terror to evil-doers. The death penalty was denounced against criminals convicted of either of fourteen different offenses. The burglar for the third offense lost his life. 1. “If any man after legall conviction shall have or worship any other god but the Lord God, hee shall bee put to death.”—Deut. 13:6, 17:2. 2. “If any man or woman bee a witch, that is, hath or consulteth with a familliar spiritt, they shall bee put to death.”—Exodus 22:18; Levit. 20:27. 3. “If any person shall blaspheme the name of God, the Father, Sonne or Holy Ghost, with direct, express, presumptuous or high-handed blasphemy, or shall curse, in like manner, hee shall bee put to death.” 4. “If any man shall commit any willful murder—which is manslaughter commited from hatred, malice or cruelty—not in a man’s just and necessary defense, nor by mere casualty against his will, hee shall bee put to death.” 8. “If any person committeth adultery with a married or espoused wife, the adulterer and adulteress shall surely bee put to death.” 12. “If any man shall conspire or attempt any invasion, insurrection or rebellion against the Commonwealth hee shall bee put to death.”