September 1

The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city.—John 4:28.

CHRIST having instructed her as to the nature of spiritual worship, she then expresses her faith in the long expected Messiah, and that when he came he would tell them all things. Jesus then declared unto her, that he was that Messiah; immediately she left her waterpot, that with greater haste she might announce the glad tidings to her neighbours and friends. "Come," she said, "see a man who told me all things that ever I did, is not this the Christ?" Then they went out of the city and came to Jesus. And what was the sequel? why many of them believed on Jesus, and besought him to tarry with them, and he abode there two days. How very interesting and instructive is the whole narrative. Have we become partakers of the living waters, which Christ communicates to thirsty, dying souls? Do we indeed, and of a truth believe in him? And have we said to Jesus, abide with us; and is he our chief beloved guest, formed in our hearts the hope of glory? The subject has been beautifully paraphrased, and applied to our own country, and which cannot fail to interest the pious reader.

"At Jacob's well a stranger sought.

His drooping frame to cheer :

Samaria's daughter little thought

That Jacob's God was near.

This had she known, her fainting mind

For richer draughts had sigh'd,

Nor had Messiah, ever kind,

Those richer draughts deny'd.

This ancient well, no glass so true,

Britannia's image shews,

Now Jesus travels Britain through,

But who the stranger knows?

Yet Britain must the stranger know,

Or soon her loss deplore,

Behold the living waters flow!

Come drink, and thirst no more."