to Christ's word and come to Him.

FOOTNOTES:

[28] It will be observed that the remaining part of the Gospel goes into
very small compass as regards time. Chapters vii.-x. 21 are occupied
with what was said and done at the Feast of Tabernacles, chapters
xii.-xx. with the last Passover.

[29] A mixture of religious thanksgiving and unrestrained social
hilarity, analogous to the English celebration of Christmas.

[30] Psalm xc. 1.

[31] =alethinos=.

[32] On ver. 39 see p. 48 of this volume.

XVII.

_THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY._

"And they went every man unto his own house: but Jesus went unto the
mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the
temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and
taught them. And the scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman taken
in adultery; and having set her in the midst, they say unto Him,
Master, this woman hath been taken in adultery, in the very act. Now
in the law Moses commanded us to stone such; what then sayest Thou
of her? And this they said, tempting Him, that they might have
whereof to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger
wrote on the ground. But when they continued asking Him, He lifted
up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you,
let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and
with His finger wrote on the ground. And they, when they heard it,
went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, even unto the last:
and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the
midst. And Jesus lifted up Himself, and said unto her, Woman, where
are they? did no man condemn thee? And she said, No man, Lord. And
Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee; go thy way; from henceforth
sin no more."--JOHN vii. 53-viii, 11.

This paragraph, from chap. vii. 53-viii. 11 inclusive, is omitted from
modern editions of the Greek text on the authority of the best
manuscripts. Internal evidence is also decidedly against its admission.
The incident may very well have happened, and it bears every appearance
of being accurately reported. We are glad to have so characteristic an
exposure of the malignity of the Jews, and a view of our Lord which,
although from a novel standpoint, is yet quite consistent with other
representations of His manner and spirit. But here it is out of place.
No piece of literary work is so co