Quesnel observes, " It is a great mistake to suppose that the knowledge of the mysteries of religion ought not to be imparted to women by the reading of Scripture, considering this instance of the great confidence Christ reposed in this woman by His manifestation of Himself. The abuse of the Scriptures and the sin of heresies, did not proceed from the simplicity of women, but from the conceited learning of men."
In leaving the whole passage, there are several striking points which ought never to be forgotten. («.) Our Lord's mercy is remarkable. That such an one as He should deal so graciou-ly with such a sinner is a striking fact. (&.) Our Lord's wisdom is remarkable. How wise was every step of His way in deahng with this sinful soul! (c.) Our Lord's patience is remarkable. How He bore with the woman's ignorance, and what trouble He took to lead her to knowledge ! (d) Our Lord's power is re- markable. What a complete victory He won at last! How almighty must that grace be which could soften and convert such a carnal and wicked heart!
We must never despise any soul, after reading this passage. Noue can be worse than this woman. But Christ did not despise her.
We must never despair of any soul, after reading this passage. If this woman was converted, any one may be converted.
Finally, we must never contemn the use of all wise and reasonable means in dealing with souls. There is a " wisdom which is profitable to direct " in approaching ignorant and un- godly people, which must be diligently sought.
JOHN lY. 27—30.
2*1 And upon this came his dis- ciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman ; yet no man said, What seekest thou ? or Why talk- esfc thou with her?
28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way
into the city, and saith to the
men,
29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ ?
30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
These verses continue the well-known story of the Sama- ritan woman's conversion. Short as the passage may appear, it contains points of deep interest and importance. The mere worldling, who cares nothing about experimental