The Woman at the Well.
HIS way lay through Samaria,
And, as the noon was high,
He came to Jacob's ancient well,
The town of Sychar nigh.
And, wearied with His journey,
He by the well sat down,
While His disciples went to buy
Some food within the town.
Then, presently, a woman came—
A daughter of the land,
To draw some water from the well—
Her pitcher in her hand.
And Jesus, full of pitying grace,
Beyond what we can think,
Looked gently in the woman's eyes,
And said, "Give me to drink?"
And thus, this poor Samaritan,
Who knew but sin and shame,
Was led to seek the living draught,
Found in Messiah's name.
And she, that single pupil, heard,
By the old patriarch's well,
The greatest, grandest lesson
That e'er from Jesus fell.
And she believed. O, woman fair,
Though fallen thou hadst been,
The Searcher of all hearts in thee
The seed of faith had seen;
And traveled through Samaria,
To meet you, and to tell
The new and wondrous doctrine
That you received so well.
And now came the disciples back,
Who wondered that He taught
One humble woman there alone,
Yet wherefore no man sought.
But the woman left her pitcher,
And to the city went,
And told to every one she met
The wonderful event;
How she had seen a traveler,
Sitting by Jacob's well,
Who all her secret history
Did accurately tell.
And, "Come and see him!" she exclaimed,
"For he the Christ must be;
Such wisdom, dignity and grace
None e'er possessed as He."
Meanwhile the Lord's disciples
Before Him set some meat,
And urging Him with gentle words,
Said, "Master, come and eat."
But, in that hour, no mortal food
His craving want could fill,
His heart and mind were wholly set
To work His gracious will.
'Twas now the harvest day of souls,
In old Samaria's fields,
And He would gather all the fruit
That faithful labor yields.
So He, in answer to the call
That He partake of food,
Taught the great lesson to all men
Of always doing good.
And, now, came the Samaritans
And begged the Lord to stay
And lodge within their city's walls,
And teach them every day.
And He who hearkens when we ask,
Complied with their request;
And in their city He abode
Two days, an honored guest.
And many of those men believed
He was the Christ—the Lord,
When they beheld His holy life,
And heard His gracious word.