To the request, "Sir, give me this water," Jesus does not appear to have returned any direct answer, but said, "Go, call thy husband, and come hither." The reply _was_, in one view, direct, and he began _instantly to_ communicate the "living water;" for the discourse upon which he entered, though at a superficial glance it may appear foreign to the immediate purpose of her request, and might seem to point her to a different subject, was really intended to produce deep and salutary convictions of sin, and such as were requisite in order to her reception of the _living water_ of spiritual consolation. Nothing in reality could display both the _wisdom_ and _goodness_ of the great Teacher in a more striking manner, than this proceeding. In effect, he takes her by the hand, conducts her through the narrow path of conviction and penetential acknowledgment, to that fountain which has supplied millions, and is still inexhaustible; and by whatever mysterious methods he brings his people to himself and to their final rest, it will ultimately be found the _right_ way to the city of habitation. As the woman did not comprehend his metaphorical language, he determined to disclose his prophetic character. "Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly." By divine inspiration, an ordinary prophet might be supposed to have been made acquainted with the woman's character and domestic circumstances; but we must contemplate the Saviour on this occasion as supporting his claim to a higher distinction, such as none of them could possess. It is a solemn consideration that we are perpetually inspected by those "eyes which are upon the ways of man," and by _him_ who seeth all his goings, his most retired moments, most secret sins, most private affairs, and most latent thoughts. Even though we should not live in that excess of sensuality which existed in this case, how important is the apostolic entreaty, to "abstain from fleshly lusts;" and how just the assurance, "they war against the soul!"