And Its Application To-day Can the ethics of Old Testament legislation help to solve some of the burning, social problems of today?
This was the theme of a Quest Society lecture on "The Legislation of the Old Testament" by Mr. J. E. Salmon, B.a., at the Royal Asiatic Society on Tuesday, Dr. H. Chatley presiding.
"Tf doctors and scientists are agreed that the dietary and hygienic laws of Moses anticipated modern theories for the preserva: tion of health and the prevention of disease, by thousands of years," declared Mr. Salmon, "surely it should occasion no prise if the rules relating to social order prove of equal value?" are Regarding the Biblical conception of tho_rights of ownership, the lecturer pointed out that only "limited ownership" was recognized. The legal notion of propriectary right is absolute and unrestricted, and though perfectly logical, has no place in the Mosaic system, which Voltaire and other rationalists sneered at, as being unfitted to cope with the complex relations of modern society. But time would show which wis correct. An attentive observer of present day legislation could not fail to see already signs of covert. attacks on the sacred rights of property.
The Sabbatical and Jubilee years were potent instruments against the accumulation of landed property and for the reduction of tyrannical power. Every) (seventh year occurred the sabbatical year, during which no field labour was permitted, and the land left fallow. Debtors were released and bondman received~ their freedom. The termination of seven cycles of seven years was termed a Jubilee year. Then was all alienated land returned to the original owners or their heirs. Thus a renovation of society was effected! every half century. Israel was a country of peasant proprietors.
"The idea that the marriage bond is indissoluble is foreign to Jewish conceptions, and the parent of many abuses and hard-shins."
It was noteworthy. he continued, that after a lapse of centuries. a more sane view was being adopted with regard to divorce.
The inter-relations of the ancient Israelites among themselves were as members of a commonwealth. "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" was the rule of conduct. Tu this scheme even the claims of dumb animals were not forgotten. Usnry was forbidden, and the rights of the poor amply protected. As for widow's and crphans_ the climate of ancient Israel must have been very unhealthy for fraudulent company promoters and bankers and their ilk, who under present conditions, consider these classes their natural prey.
An interesting discussion, open-
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