[jwalsh07]

I was referencing debate of course. :-}

[farmer18th]

From "The Acts and Laws of His Majesty's Colony of New Hampshire" 1759:

..if any person shall presume wilfully to blaspheme the holy name of God, Father, Son or Holy Ghost, either by denying, cursing or reproaching the true God, his creation or government of the world; or by denying , cursing, or reproaching the holy word of God, that is the canonical scriptures....every one so offending shall be punished by imprisonment, not exceeding six months, ...by setting in the pillory, by whipping, boardig throgh the tongue with a red hot iron, or setting upon the gallows with a rope about their neck..."

Interesting side-light: you are four times more likely to be the victim of violent crime in Massachusetts today than when the pillory and stocks were employed.