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I. HUMAN EXPEDIENTS of happiness. "Whosoever... thirst again."

1. Gross and dissipated pleasure brings disappointment and remorse.

2. In refined and intellectual pursuits "is much grief, and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."

3. Business brings gain, but "they that will be rich fall into a snare," etc.

4. Leisure makes the hours hang heavily, is attended with satiety, and becomes a burden.

5. The conscience-stricken seeks a palliative in drowsy reflection or in resolutions and duties, but finds that he is compassing himself about with sparks that yield no warmth. All "broken cisterns" and "vanity and vexation of spirit."

II. DIVINE PROVISION. "Whosoever... shall never thirst," etc. This water, the saving grace of Christ, is —

1. Excellent in its nature. The property of water is to cool, cleanse, fertilize, and refresh; no element is so indispensable. The rich grace of Christ produces, maintains, increases, completes life and makes it immortal.

2. Divine in its origin. Seek it not in ordinances; they are only channels. Use them, but do not rest in them. Look to Jesus, the author and fountain of life.

3. Free in its communication. "Give." Nothing is more free than a gift. Why is the grace of Christ so free? Because —

(1)  It is too precious to be bought.

(2)  It is already procured by Christ.

(3)  He must have all the glory.

4. Satisfying in its effects. "Shall never thirst" —

(1)  Offer any other water, but he will ever thirst for this, and the more he receives the more he will crave.

(2)  He shall be satisfied with the kind of food he finds, though not with the degree.

(3)  These effects are not produced by hearing, but by receiving.

5. Constant in its supplies —

(1)  Not only near, but in him. "A good man is satisfied from himself."

(2)  A well, not a shallow draught, a scanty stream, or stagnant pool — denoting the plentiful effusion, the large abundance, the continued freshness, the glorious sufficiency of the grace of the Saviour.

6. Active in its operations. It is not given to be dormant, but to operate.

7. Eternally glorious in its results.

III. BY WAY OF IMPROVEMENT INQUIRE WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS.

1. Some are ignorant and careless.

2. In some there is beginning of thirst.

3. Some have drunk. Then —

(1)  Be thankful.

(2)  Remember your constant need of Christ.

(3)  Seek the salvation of others.

(T. Kidd.)

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KJV: The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

WEB: The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water?