Anti-swearing law

[James E. Clapp]

A. Maberry wrote:
>
> Some classes of slaves certainly had more rights than others, and none
> were supposed to be ill-treated.

Of course, ill-treated is a relative term.  As quoted and explained at
http://religioustolerance.org/sla_bibl.htm (where much more on all of
this can be found),

"The owner would have to avoid beating the slave to death.  But it was
acceptable to beat a slave so that he/she was mortally injured and died
a day or so later:

      Exodus 21:20-21 'And if a man smite his servant, or his maid,
      with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely
      punished.  Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he
      shall not be punished: for he is his money [property].'"

I hope the people who want to put up the Ten Commandments all over the
place plan to include this little gloss on the "Thou shalt not
kill/murder/put anyone to death without cause" commandment.  Though I
would prefer something more clear to today's audience than this King
James translation:  "male slave" and "female slave" for servant and
maid, "linger" for continue, and "property" for money.

James E. Clapp