During the first session of Congress the initial proposal for a bill of
rights was brought to the floor of the House of Representatives on
June 8, 1789.
Here’s the passage relating to the right to bear arms:
“The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be
infringed; a well armed and well regulated militia being the best
security of a free country: but no person religiously scrupulous of
bearing arms shall be compelled to render military service
in person.”
(Some refer to the words “no person religiously scrupulous of
bearing arms shall be compelled to render military service in
person” as the “conscientious objector clause.” That phrase was
later removed).
A select committee reviewed Madison’s submission and returned a
reworded version to the House:
“A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people,
being the best security of a free State, the right of the people to
keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; but no person religiously
scrupulous shall be compelled to bear arms.”
“The right of the people to keep and
bear arms shall not be infringed;
a well armed and well regulated
militia being the best security
of a free country: but no person
religiously scrupulous of bearing
arms shall be compelled to render
military service in person.”
42 The TRUMP RALLY Publication