is, the pleasures of this world. It becomes a fountain of all good to the soul, ever flowing and giving merit to our actions. " It springs up to everlasting life" (John iv. 14), elevating our thoughts to heaven and heavenly joys, of which it is a pledge. Say, therefore, with the Samaritan woman, " Give me this water, that I may not thirst."
THURSDAY
Conversion of the Samaritan Woman. — II.
I. Consider the wonderful goodness of our Lord in manifesting Himself to the sinful woman, when she spoke of the Messias: "I am He," He said, "Who am speaking to thee." (John iv. 26.) Ponder the efficacy of her faith; she immediately leaves the vessel in which she intended to draw water, and runs back into the city to induce others to believe as well as herself. " Come and see," she said, " a Man who hath told me all the things that ever I did." Such is the fervor of true zeal; it is always active, and always wishes to gain subjects to Christ. If you wish, therefore, to be inflamed with true zeal, throw away every earthly affection and seek the greater glory of God.
II. When the woman was gone, the disciples offered Christ something to eat; but He, being intent on the conversion of the Samaritans, observed, " My food is to do the will of Him that sent Me, that I may perfect His work." Learn, hence, to prefer the spiritual good of your neighbor, to your own temporal concerns. Would to God, that your meat and drink, your delight and only pleasure, was to do the will of your Heavenly Father!
III. Many of the Samaritans, moved by the woman's
