(June 15, 1836), was the 25th State admitted to the Union. The Constitution of the State of Arkansas, adopted October 30, 1874, stated:
Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.2742
Article II, Section 24. All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.2743
Article II, Section 25. Religion, morality and knowledge being essential to good government, the General Assembly shall enact suitable laws to protect every religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public worship.2744
Article II, Section 26. No religious test shall ever by required of any person as a qualification to vote or hold office, nor shall any person be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account of his religious belief; but nothing herein shall be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations.2745
Article XIX, Section 1. No person who denies the being of a God shall hold office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court.2746
Article XIX, Section 14. No lottery shall be authorized by this State, nor shall the sale of lottery tickets be allowed.2747