John 4:35-38 Say not you, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? behold, I say to you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields… I. WOMAN IS EVER FOREMOST IN ALL GOOD. This is but fitting since she was first in transgression; but it is a fact, as witnessed by all historians and travellers, charity has been her vocation from the days of Dorcas to those of Elizabeth Fry. "The Sisters of Mercy" were the stars that relieved the darkness of the Middle Ages. Paul put Priscilla before Aquila. The most faithful friends of Christ were women. A woman watched by His cradle; woman stood weeping by His cross; a woman was first at the sepulchre; and from that time to this woman has most firmly laid hold upon the crown of martyrdom, and been amongst the most devoted and dauntless missionaries for Christ. II. WOMAN HAS ALWAYS MOST FAITH. "Oh woman, great is thy faith," the Saviour is saying still. If man be confident, woman is confiding. This is her weakness and her strength. By this she fell and by this she rises to newness of life. All churches prove this. Christ's mother was His first disciple. Few are the Christian women that dishonour their profession or deny their faith. III. WOMAN DOES NOT SPEAK OFFICIALLY. Had one of the apostle's said, "Come, see a man," etc., he would not have had such success as this unofficial woman. IV. WOMAN DOES SPEAK MORE TENDERLY. In her tone of voice there is the key to unlock the human heart. It is not fit for strife or controversy, but for persuasion and consolation. And wherefore has she the larger share of sorrow? To kindle sympathy. Her's also is a mother's love not for her children only, but for mankind. The congregation wants a son of thunder, society a daughter of consolation. V. WOMAN HAS SPECIAL INFLUENCE OVER MAN, whether for good or for evil. Her moral force is greater than all the physical force of government. VI. WOMAN OWES MUCH TO CHRIST. To her the Gospel brought the promise and possession of the life that now is. In every country in proportion to its Christianity she has her rights and the pure joys of life. Owing so much her love to Christ should be deep, and her work for Christ energetic. But what can she do? 1. Are you a wife? If your husband be not a Christian you have to make him in love with religion, or if he be one build him up in the faith; and knowing that he has many temptations from home, see that he has none at home. 2. Are you a mother? No one but God has such power over your infant as you, and if your children are grown up, and are beyond a mother's authority, you may yet reach them by a mother's love. 3. Are you a sister? Your love is second in power to a mother's. 4. Are you a mistress? A woman's kindness will have double weight from you. Your servants have souls for whom you are responsible. 5. Are you a servant? "Adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things." If you cannot speak about religion to your employers you can live it. (J. De Kewer Williams.) Parallel Verses KJV: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. |
    |