John 4:15

The woman in her reply, expresseth a desire to have this water for her own ends. Whence learn, 1. The bars of ignorance and naughtinesse even in the elect, hindering them from Christ, are not easily broken; for, so much appeareth in this womans answer. Whether we understand her to speak by way of derision, or rather, that Christs spiritual preaching did discover some excellencie in these things to her, (as it may fall out even in natural mindes;) yet she took them up but in a natural way, and accordingly her desire is but carnal. 2. Even nature may have a loathing at these outward infirmities that follow sin, and yet will not be affected with spiritual wants, without renovation; and such may have a desire to be happy and free of these troubles, when yet they seek this happinesse under the Sun, and oft-times in that which proveth their greatest misery; for, she desires to be rid of thirst, and of pains in seeking water. 3. It is the great fault of many, that they would be content of as much of Christ as may serve their base ends, and no more; and particularly, it is but a natural and carnal desire after spiritual things, when they are sought for supply of natural imperfections and wants, and for the accomplishment of natural imagined happinesse; for, such was her desire, Give me this water that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.