Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/425

 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."

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