The State of South Carolina : Supreme Being and Quis Separabit

On this day in 1788, South Carolina becomes the eighth state in the union.

First, here’s the Preamble of the CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA:

“We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the preservation and perpetuation of the same.”

Next, upon closer examination of the state seal, pictured below, we see 12 spears (representing the first 12 states) banded together on the iconic palmetto with the motto “Quis separabit?”.  That question translates to “who shall separate?”, and originates from the Latin translation of Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Romans 8:35

Additionally, “Animis Opibusque Parati” translates to “Prepared in Mind and Resources.” “Spes” is Latin for “Hope”, and the other motto “Dum Spiro Spero” means “While I Breathe I Hope.”

No Denying

Finally, let us also consider this straightforward section of the state constitution:

“SECTION 4. Supreme Being. No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution.”

Indeed, American history, let alone world history, demonstrates that a good follower can make a great leader.