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Show The flrat verse of Psalm 00 wu j chosen as the reading test, and bene) was known as the- "neck veree." Ia r 1001, this privilege was extended t 1 women. The privilege eventually be- w , came a dead letter; It was variously restricted and finally In 1827 In tbat reign of George IV, it was abolished altogether. Kansus City Star. , Old English Law Based on Bible "Benefit of clergy" was a privilege once enjoyed by the clergy of England, Eng-land, whereby they were exempted from civil punishment. The origin of this exemption Is unknown, but the custom was probably, based on the text : "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (I Cliron. 10:22; Vs. 105:115). Edward I In 12T4 extended this privilege to nil laymen that could read. Such a criminal crim-inal could not be put to death, but was to be branded on the left hand. |