religion, may see nothing particular in these verses. To all who desire to know something of the experience of a converted person, they will be found full of food for thought.
We see, firstly, in this passage, how marvellous in the eyes of man are ChrisVs dealings with soids. We are told that the disciples "marvelled that he talked with the woman." That their Master should take the trouble to talk to a woman at all, and to a Samaritan woman, and to a strange woman at a well, when He was wearied with His journey, — all this was wonderful to the eleven disci- ples. It was a sort of thing which they did not expect. It was contrary to their idea of what a religious teacher should do. It startled them and filled them with surprise.
The feeling displayed by the disciples on this occasion, does not stand alone in the Bible. When our Lord allowed publicans and sinners to draw n^ar to Him and be in His company, the Pharisees marvelled. They exclaimed, " This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them." (Luke XV. 2.) — When Saul came back from Damascus, a converted man and a new creature, the Christians at Jerusalem were astonished. " They believed not that he wa-s a disciple." (Acts ix. 26.) — When Peter was delivered from Herod's prison by an ajigel, and brought to the door of the house where disciples were praying for his deliverance, they were so taken by surprise that they could not believe it was Peter. " When they saw him they were astonished." (Acts xii. 16.)
But why should we stop short in Bible instances ? The true Christian has only to look around him in this world iu order to see abundant illustrations of the truth before us. IIow much astonishment every fresh conversion occasions I What surprise is expressed at the change in the heart, life, tastes, and habits of the converted person ! What wonder is felt at the power, the mercy, the patience, the compas-