A Woman's Zeal
S. R. Aldridge, LL. B. John 4:28-30 The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men,… I. THE ENGROSSING NATURE OF CONVERSION. 1. To meet Christ causes ordinary events to shrink into insignificance. Paul for three days did "neither eat nor drink." Bunyan "ran about the streets distracted." Fuller was "so moved that he was unable to pursue his customary avocations." These were extraordinary cases, but it is impossible to be turned from darkness to light and remain impassive. The adjusting of eternal relationships and attending to immortal interests may well make a man distracted. 2. It were better to renounce all work than to attend to the demands of the soul. To neglect the latter for the former is neither reason nor duty. 3. Religion will afterwards not impede but assist the performance of duty. The woman no doubt regained her waterpot, and cheerfully resumed her domestic toil. 4. All our instruments may become useful illustrations of God's spiritual work. The waterpot must have been a continual reminder. II. THE MISSIONARY SPIRIT EVOKED. 1. Religious joy seeks to make others share in it. Every Christian should be a centre of light and usefulness. 2. She wisely acted on the spur of the moment. Had she waited courage might have failed or excuses suggested. Nothing quenches fire like delay. 3. She hasted lest Christ should depart. The waterpot would impede her. Any time would do for water. There are times when Jesus is at the door; if these are neglected He may not return. III. THE FORCIBLE APPEAL. 1. Attention called to an object of acknowledged importance. 2. An inference suggested from a fact of personal history. 3. An invitation given (John 1:46, 39). IV. THE HEARTY RESPONSE. (S. R. Aldridge, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, WEB: So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people,