But a single execution of this law would carry an
irresistible conviction to every mind. It is supposed that the crime committed has been so secret, that no human being, except the guilty persons, were acquainted with it. It is sup- posed also that no clew for the discovery of it could possibly be found. Behold the issue of this ordeal, and the offending woman justifying that God who had inflicted vengeance on her: could any doubt now remain, whether God see our actions or not ; or whether he will suffer sin to pass unpunished ? The most determined atheist (if such a being could be found) must, like the worshippers of Baal, be convinced at such a sight, and exclaim, " The Lord, he is God ; the Lord, he is God ! " "verily there is a God that judgeth in the earthb !"]
2. To reclaim the vicious —
[What must be the feelings of a man, who, after having rioted in iniquity, beholds such a scene as this ? Must it not bring his own iniquities to his remembrance? Must he not tremble at the thought of appearing before this holy Lord God, and at the prospect of those judgments that shall be in- flicted on him ? Must he not realize in a measure that shame which he will be exposed to in the presence of the assembled universe, and that misery which will be coeval with his exist- ence 1 Yes ; methinks he already begins to smite upon his breast, and cry for mercy ; and determines from henceforth to walk in newness of life ]
3. To comfort the oppressed —
[Where a woman of blameless character was made the victim of her husband's jealousy, with what holy confidence would she drink the appointed cup, and make her appeal to the
heart-searching God ! and in what triumph would she
depart from the tabernacle, when God himself had borne a public testimony to her innocence ! From hence then might every one, whose name the breath of calumny had blasted, as- sure himself that a time was coming, when God would vindicate his injured character, and cause his righteousness to shine as the noonday. David, under the accusations of Saul, consoled himself with this prospect0; and lived to attest the fidelity of God to those who trust in himd ; and to recommend from his own experience this remedy to others e True, the inter- position of God may not, towards others, be so immediate, or so visible, in this world : but, in the world to come, if not before, shall that promise be fulfilled to every servant of the
b Ps. lviii. 11. Such passages as Ps. cxxxix. 11, 12. and Job xxxiv. 21, 22. would now appear to him in their true light.
c Ps. vii. 3 — 8. d Ps. xviii. 16—20. e Ps. xxxvii. 4 — 6.