[572] Moses Kotsen. loco superius citato.
The manner of burning was two fold. Some they burnt with wood and faggots; this was termed[573] by them Combustio corporis, the burning of the body: Others they burnt by pouring in scalding hot lead in at their mouths, which descending into their bowels killed them, the bulk of their body remaining whole, and this was termed therefore Combustio animæ, the burning of their soul. This last was most in use, and alone described by most of their Writers.
[573] Rab. Levi. Levit. 20.
Malefactors condemned to beheading, were of two sorts,[574] 1. The Murderer, 2. Those of any City, who were drawn to Idolatry. The manner thereof is at this day in use.
[574] Moses Kotsen. in Sanhedrim.
Malefactors strangled, were six,[575] 1. He that smiteth his father or his mother, 2. He that stealeth a soul of Israel, 3. An Elder which contradicteth the Consistory, 4. A false Prophet, and he that prophesieth in the name of an Idol, 5. He that lieth with another mans wife, 6. He that abuseth the body of the Priests daughter.
[575] Moses Kotsen. ibid.
The manner of strangling was thus. The malefactor was put in dung up to the loins, a towel being cast about his neck; which two Executioners, one on each side, plucked to and fro until he was dead.