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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
it was also his look and his solemn words that reached her soul and
convinced her that he was a superior being. At the same time she felt
that he was her friend, pitying and loving her. This is the character of
the world’s Redeemer; while he condemned her life of sin, he directed
her to his divine grace as the sure and perfect remedy. The pitying
love of the Saviour is not confined to sect or party.
As the woman of Samaria hastened back to her friends, publishing
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as she went the wonderful news, many left the highway and the town to
go and ascertain if she indeed spoke the truth. Numbers of the citizens
left their employments and hastened to Jacob’s well to see and hear
this remarkable man. They surrounded Jesus and listened attentively
to his instruction. They plied him with questions, and eagerly received
his explanation of matters that had perplexed their understandings.
They were like a people in great darkness tracing up a sudden ray that
had pierced their gloom and which they were eager to follow to its
source, that they might bask in the light and warmth of day.
The Samaritans were attracted and interested by the teachings of
Jesus. But they were not satisfied with this short conference; they were
anxious to hear more and to have their fellow-citizens also listen to this
wonderful teacher. They begged him to tarry with them and instruct
them. For two days he remained in Samaria teaching the people. Many
believed on him and accepted his words. Jesus was a Jew, yet he
mingled freely with these Samaritans, setting at naught the custom and
bigotry of his nation. He had already commenced to break down the
partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and preach salvation to the
world.
These Samaritan listeners were in darkness and superstition; but
they were not contented with their condition, and the words of Jesus
relieved them of many doubts and uncertainties that had harassed
their minds. Many who had come from curiosity to see and hear this
remarkable person were convicted of the truth of his teachings, and
acknowledged him as their Saviour. Eagerly they listened to the words
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he spoke in reference to the kingdom of God. In their new joy they
said unto the woman, “Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for
we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ,
the Saviour of the world.”
Christ, at the very beginning of his ministry, openly rebuked the
superficial morality and ostentatious piety of the Jews. He did not