Antiquitates christianæ, or, The history of the life and death of the holy Jesus as also the lives acts and martyrdoms of his Apostles : in two parts.

Ad SECT. XII. Considerations upon the Entercourse happening between the Holy Jesus and the Woman of Samaria.

[illustration]

The Woman of Samaria.

Iohn. 4: 7. There cemeth a woman of Samaria to draw water. Iesus saith unto her, giue me to drink.

9. Then saith the Woman of Samaria unto him, How is it, that thou being a Iew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?

[illustration]

The great draught of Fishes.

Luk. 5. 4. 5. etc. He said unto Simon, Let down your nets for a draught. And they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and when Simon Peter saw it he fell down att Jesus knees—for he was astonished, & all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

1. WHen the Holy Jesus, perceiving it unsafe to be at Jerusálem, returned to Ga∣lilee, where the largest scene of his Prophetical Office was to be represented, he journeyed on foot through Samaria, and being weary and faint, hungry and thirsty, he sate down by a Well, and begged water of a Samaritan woman that was a Sinner; who at first refused him with some incivility of language. But he, in stead of return∣ing anger and passion to her rudeness, which was commenced upon the interest of a mi∣staken * 1.1 Religion, preached the coming of the Messias to her, unlock'd the secrets of her heart, and let in his Grace, and made a fountain of living water to spring up in her Soul, to extinguish the impure flames of Lust which had set her on fire, burning like Hell ever since the death of her ‖ 1.2 fifth Husband, she then becoming a Concubine to the sixth. Thus Jesus transplanted Nature into Grace, his hunger and thirst into reli∣gious appetites, the darkness of the Samaritan into a clear revelation, her Sin into Re∣pentance and Charity, and so quenched his own thirst by relieving her needs: and as it was meat to him to do his Father's will, so it was drink to him to bring us to drink of the fountain of living water. For thus God declared it to be a delight to him to see us live, as if he were refreshed by those felicities which he gives to us as communications of his grace, and instances of mercy, and consignations to Heaven. Upon which we can look with no eye but such as sees and admires the excellency of the Divine Charity, which being an emanation from the mercies and essential compassion of Eternity, God cannot chuse but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in it, and love the works of his Mercy, who was so well pleased in the works of his Power. He that was delighted in the Creation, was highly pleased in the nearer conveyances of himself, when he sent the Holy Jesus to bear his image,

and his mercies, and his glories, and offer them to the use and benefit of Man. For this was the chief of the works of God, and therefore the Blessed Master could not but be highliest pleased with it, in imitation of his heavenly Father.

2. The woman observing our Saviour to have come with his face from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was angry at him upon the quarrel of the old Schism. The Jews and the Samaritans had differing Rites, and the zealous persons upon each side did commonly dispute them∣selves into Uncharitableness: and so have Christians upon the same confidence, and zeal, and mistake. For although righteousness hath no fellowship with unrighteousness, nor Christ with Belial; yet the consideration of the crime of Heresie, which is a spiritual wickedness, is to be separate from the person, who is material. That is, no spiritual communion is to be endured with Heretical persons, when it is certain they are such, when they are convinced by competent authority and sufficient argument. But the persons of the men are to be pitied, to be reproved, to be redargued and convinced, to be wrought upon by fair compliances and the offices of civility, and invited to the fa∣mily of Faith by the best arguments of Charity, and the instances of a holy life; ha∣ving your conversation honest among them, that they may, beholding your good works, glori∣fie* 1.3 God in the day when he shall visit them. Indeed if there be danger, that is, a weak* 1.4 understanding may not safely converse in civil society with a subtile Heretick; in such* 1.5 cases they are to be avoided, not saluted: But as this is only when the danger is by rea∣son of the unequal capacities and strengths of the person; so it must be only when the article is certainly Heresie, and the person criminal, and interest is the ingredient in the perswasion, and a certain and a necessary Truth destroyed by the opinion. We* 1.6 read that S. John, spying Cerinthus in a Bath, refused to wash there where the enemy* 1.7 of God and his Holy Son had been. This is a good precedent for us when the case is equal. S. John could discern the spirit of Cerinthus, and his Heresie was notorious, fun∣damental and highly criminal, and the Apostle a person assisted up to infallibility. And possibly it was done by the whisper of a Prophetick spirit, and upon a miraculous design; for immediately upon his retreat the Bath fell down, and crushed Cerinthus in the ruines. But such acts of aversation as these are not easily by us to be drawn into ex∣ample, unless in the same or the parallel concourse of equally-concluding accidents. We must not quickly, nor upon slight grounds, nor unworthy instances, call Here∣tick; there had need be a long process, and a high conviction, and a competent Judge, and a necessary Article, that must be ingredients into so sad and decretory definitions, and condemnation of a person or opinion. But if such instances occur, come not near the danger nor the scandal. And this advice S. Cyprian gave to the Lay-people of his* 1.8 Diocese: Let them decline their discourses, whose Sermons creep and corrode like a Cancer;* 1.9 let there be no colloquies, no banquets, no commerce with such who are excommunicate and justly driven from the Communion of the Church.

For such persons (as S. Leo descants upon the Apostle's expression of heretical discourses) creep in humbly, and with small and modest beginnings, they catch with flattery, they bind gently, and kill privily.

Let therefore all persons who are in danger secure their persons and Per∣swasions by removing far from the infection. And for the scandal, S. Herminigilda gave an heroick example, which in her perswasion, and the circumstances of the Age and action, deserved the highest testimony of zeal, religious passion, and confident perswasion. For she rather chose to die by the mandate of her tyrant-Father Leonigildus* 1.10 the Goth, than she would at the Paschal solemnity receive the blessed Sacrament at the* 1.11 hand of an Arrian Bishop.

3. But excepting these cases, which are not to be judged with forwardness, nor rashly taken measure of, we find that conversing charitably with persons of differing Perswasions hath been instrumental to their Conversion and God's glory. The believing wife may sanctifie the unbelieving husband; and we find it verified in Church∣story. S. Ce∣cily converted her husband Valerianus; S. Theodora converted Sisinius; S. Monica con∣verted Patricius, and Theodelinda Agilulphus; S. Clotilda perswaded King Clodoveus to be a Christian; and S. Natolia perswaded Adrianus to be a Martyr. For they, having their conversation honest and holy amongst the unbelievers, shined like virgin Tapers in the midst of an impure prison, and amused the eyes of the sons of darkness with the brightness of the flame. For the excellency of a holy life is the best argument of the in∣habitation of God within the Soul: and who will not offer up his understanding upon that Altar, where a Deity is placed as the President and author of Religion? And this very entercourse of the Holy Jesus with the Woman is abundant argument, that it were well we were not so forward to refuse Communion with dissenting persons upon the ea∣sie and confident mistakes of a too-forward zeal. They that call Heretick may them∣selves

be the mistaken persons, and by refusing to communicate the civilities of hospi∣table entertainment may shut their doors upon Truth, and their windows against Light, and refuse to let Salvation in. For sometimes Ignorance is the only parent of our Perswasions, and many times 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath made an impure commixture with it, and so produced the issue.

4. The Holy Jesus gently insinuates his discourses. If thou hadst known who it is that asks thee water, thou wouldest have asked water of him. Oftentimes we know not the person that speaks, and we usually chuse our Doctrine by our affections to the man: but then if we are uncivil upon the stock of prejudice, we do not know that it is Christ that calls our understandings to obedience, and our affections to duty and compliances. The Woman little thought of the glories which stood right against her. He that sate upon the Well had a Throne placed above the heads of Cherubims. In his arms who there rested himself was the Sanctuary of rest and peace, where wearied Souls were to lay their heads, and dispose their cares, and there to turn them into joys, and to gild their thorns with glory. That holy tongue which was parched with heat streamed forth rivulets of holy Doctrine, which were to water all the world, to turn our De∣serts into Paradise. And though he begged water at Jacob's Well, yet Jacob drank at his: For at his charge all Jacob's flocks and family were sustained, and by him Jacob's posterity were made honourable and redeemed. But because this Well was deep, and the woman had nothing to draw water with, and of her self could not fathom so great a depth, therefore she refused him; just as we do, when we refuse to give drink to a thirsty Disciple. Christ comes in that humble manner of address, under the veil of po∣verty or contempt, and we cannot see Christ from under that robe, and we send him away without an alms; little considering, that when he begs an alms of us in the in∣stance of any of his poor relatives, he asks of us but to give him occasion to give a bles∣sing for an alms. Thus do the Ministers of Religion ask support, but when the Laws are not more just than many of the people are charitable, they shall fare as their Ma∣ster did; they shall preach, but, unless they can draw water themselves, they shall not drink: but, si scirent, if men did but know who it is that asks them, that it is Christ either in his Ministers or Christ in his poor servants, certainly they could not be so ob∣structed in the issues of their Justice and Charity, but would remember that no honour could be greater, no love more fortunate, than to meet with an opportunity to be ex∣pressed in so noble a manner, that God himself is pleased to call his own relief.

5. When the Disciples had returned from the Town, whither they went to buy provision, they wondred to see the Master talking alone with a woman. They knew he never did so before, they had observed him to be of a reserved deportment, and not on∣ly innocent, but secure from the dangers of Malice, and suspicion in the matter of In∣continence. The Jews were a jealous and froward people: and as nothing will more blast the reputation of a Prophet than effeminacy and wanton affections; so he knew no crime was sooner objected or harder cleared than that: Of which, because commonly it is acted in privacy, men look for no probation, but pregnant circumstances and argu∣ments of suspect: so nothing can wash it off, until a man can prove a negative; and if he could, yet he is guilty enough in the estimate of the vulgar for having been accused. But then, because nothing is so destructive of the reputation of a Governour, so contra∣dictory to the authority and dignity of his person, as the low and baser appetites of Un∣cleanness, and the consequent shame and scorn, (insomuch that David, having faln into it, prayed God to confirm or establish him spiritu principali with the spirit of a Prince, the spirit of Lust being uningenuous and slavish) the Holy Jesus, who was to establish a new Law in the authority of his person, was highly curious so to demean himself, that he might be a person uncapable of any such suspicions, and of a temper apt not only to answer the calumny, but also to prevent the jealousie. But yet, now he had a great design in hand, he meant to reveal to the Samaritans the coming of the Messias; and to this his discourse with the Woman was instrumental. And in imita∣tion of our great Master, Spiritual persons and the Guides of others have been very prudent and reserved in their societies and entercourse with women. Hereticks have served their ends upon the impotency of the Sex, and having led captive silly women, led them about as triumphs of Lust, and knew no scandal greater than the scandal of Heresie, and therefore sought not to decline any, but were infamous in their unwary and lustful mixtures. Simon Magus had his Helena partner of his Lust and Heresie; the author of the Sect of the Nicolaitans (if S. Hierom was not misinformed) had whole troups of women; Marcion sent a woman as his Emissary to Rome; Apelles had his Philomene; Montanus, Prisca and Maximilla; Donatus was served by Lucilla, Hel∣pidius

by Agape; Priscillian by Galla, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spreads his nets by opportunity of his conversation with the Prince's Sister, and first he corrupted her, then he seduced the world.

6. But holy persons, Preachers of true Religion and holy Doctrines, although they were careful by publick Homilies to instruct the female Disciples, that they who are heirs together with us of the same Hope may be servants in the same Discipline and In∣stitution; yet they remitted them to their * 1.12 Husbands and Guardians to be taught at home. And when any personal transactions concerning the needs of their spirit were of necessity to intervene between the Priest and a woman, the action was done most com∣monly under publick test; or if in private, yet with much caution and observation of circumstance, which might as well prevent suspicion as preserve their innocence. Conversation and frequent and familiar address does too much rifle the ligaments and reverence of Spiritual authority, and amongst the best persons is matter of danger. When the Cedars of Libanus have been observed to fall, when David and Solomon have been dishonoured, he is a bold man that will venture farther than he is sent in errand by necessity, or invited by charity, or warranted by prudence. I deny not but some persons have made holy friendships with women; S. Athanasius with a devout and re∣ligious Virgin, S. Chrysostome with Olympia, S. Hierome with Paula Romana, S. John with the elect Lady, S. Peter and S. Paul with * 1.13 Petronilla and Tecla. And there∣fore it were a jealousie beyond the suspicion of Monks and Eunuchs to think it impos∣sible to have a chaste conversation with a distinct Sex. 1. A pure and right intention, 2. an entercourse not extended beyond necessity or holy ends, 3. a short stay, 4. great modesty, 5. and the business of Religion, will by God's grace hallow the visit, and preserve the friendship in its being spiritual, that it may not degenerate into carnal af∣fection. And yet these are only advices useful when there is danger in either of the per∣sons, or some scandal incident to the Profession, that to some persons and in the con∣junction of many circumstances are oftentimes not considerable.

7. When Jesus had resolved to reveal himself to the Woman, he first gives her occa∣sion to reveal her self to him, fairly insinuating an opportunity to confess her sins, that, having purged her self from her impurity, she might be apt to entertain the article of the revelation of the Messias. And indeed a crime in our Manners is the greatest in∣disposition of our Understanding to entertain the Truth and Doctrine of the Gospel: especially when the revelation contests against the Sin, and professes open hostility to the Lust. For Faith being the gift of God and an illumination, the Spirit of God will not give this light to them that prefer their darkness before it; either the Will must open the windows, or the light of Faith will not shine into the chamber of the Soul. How can ye believe (said our Blessed Saviour) that receive honour one of another? Ambi∣tion* 1.14 and Faith, believing God and seeking of our selves, are incompetent and totally incompossible. And therefore Serapion Bishop of Thmuis spake like an Angel, (saith So∣crates) saying, that the Mind, which feedeth upon spiritual knowledge, must throughly* 1.15 be cleansed. The Irascible faculty must first be cured with brotherly Love and Charity, and the Concupiscible must be suppressed with Continency and Mortification. Then may the Un∣derstanding apprehend the mysteriousness of Christianity. For since Christianity is a holy Doctrine, if there be any remanent affections to a sin, there is in the Soul a party disaffected to the entertainment of the Institution, and we usually believe what we have a mind to: Our Understandings, if a crime be lodged* 1.16 in the Will, being like icterical eyes, transmitting the species to the Soul with prejudice, disaffection, and colours of their own framing. If a Preacher should discourse that there ought to be a Parity amongst Christians, and that their goods ought to be in common, all men will apprehend that not Princes and rich persons, but the poor and the servants would soonest become Disciples, and believe the Doctrines, be∣cause they are the only persons likely to get by them; and it concerns the other not to believe him, the Doctrine being destructive of their interests. Just such a perswasion is every persevering love to a vicious habit; it having possessed the Understanding with fair opinions of it, and surprised the Will with Passion and desires, whatsoever Doctrine is its enemy will with infinite difficulty be entertained. And we know a great experience of it in the article of the Messias dying on the Cross, which though infinitely true, yet because to the Jews it was a scandal, and to the Greeks 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it could not be believed, they remaining in that indisposition; that is, unless the Will were first set right, and they willing to believe any Truth, though for it they must disclaim their interest: Their Understanding was blind, because the Heart was har∣dened

and could not receive the impression of the greatest moral demonstration in the world.

8. The Holy Jesus asked water of the Woman, unsatisfying water; but promised that himself, to them that ask him, would give waters of life, and satisfaction infi∣nite; so distinguishing the pleasures and appetites of this world from the desires and complacencies spiritual. Here we labour, but receive no 〈◊〉〈◊〉; we sow many times, and reap not; or reap, and do not gather in; or gather in, and do not 〈◊〉〈◊〉; or possess, but do not enjoy; or if we enjoy, we are still 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it is with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of spirit and circumstances of vexation. A great heap of riches make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warm, nor our meat more nutritive, nor our beverage more 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and it seeds the eye, but never fills it, but, like drink to an hydropick person, increases the thirst, and promotes the torment. But the Grace of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, though but like a grain of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d∣seed, fills the furrows of the heart; and as the capacity increases, it self grows up in equal degrees, and never suffers any emptiness or dissatisfaction, but carries content and fulness all the way; and the degrees of augmentation are not steps and near ap∣proaches to satisfaction, but increasings of the capacity; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is satished all the way, and receives more, not because it wanted any; but that it can now hold more, is more receptive of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and in every minute of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there is so excellent a condition of joy and high satisfaction, that the very calamities the afflictions and per∣secutions of the world are turned into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the activity of the prevailing ingredi∣ent; like a drop of water falling into a tun of wine, it is ascribed into a new family, losing its own nature by a conversion into the more noble. For now that all passionate desires are dead, and there is nothing remanent that is vexatious, the peace, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the quiet sleeps, the evenness of spirit and contempt of things below, remove the Soul from all neighbourhood of displeasure, and place it at the foot of the throne, whi∣ther when it is ascended, it is possessed of Felicities eternal. These were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 waters which were given to us to drink, when with the rod of God the Rock 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was smitten: the Spirit of God moves for ever upon these waters; and when the Angel of the Covenant hath stirred the pool, who ever descends hither shall find health and peace, joys spiritual and the satisfactions of Eternity.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ad∣versus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 alios 〈◊〉〈◊〉 odi∣um. Tacit.
• ‖ 1.2

  Quae nubis toties non 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉. Offen∣dor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sim∣pliciore 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Martial. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  1 Pet. 2. 12.
• * 1.4

  Tit. 3. 10.
• * 1.5

  2 Epjst. John 10.
• * 1.6

  Irenae. l. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3.
• * 1.7

  Euseb. l. 3. c. 13.
• * 1.8

  Lib. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p. 3.
• * 1.9

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 5. de Je∣jun, decimi 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.10

  Gregor. l. 3.
• * 1.11

  dial. 3. 13.
• * 1.12

  1 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 14. 35
• * 1.13

  Quam B. 〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉 probat Baroni∣us.
• * 1.14

  John 5. 44.
• * 1.15

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4. Hist. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 23.
• * 1.16

  Lurida 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉—〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 in corum 〈…〉〈…〉. Lucret. lib. 4.