John 4:35

In the next place Christ stirs them up to the like affection and diligence in their calling, which he presseth on them from several reasons; The first is taken from the ripenesse of people, and their willingnesse to hear (whereof there was a present instance in the Samaritanes that were coming forth,) which therefore was to be emproved. VVhence learn, 1. As people may be sometimes ripe for a Ministry, as corne is for reaping, (as when people stock to Ordinances when they are offered, after they have lien long in ignorance, or under a dead Ministry,) so such an opportunity would not be neglected by Ministers, as that which will not be easily recovered; therefore compareth he the condition of people to fields white already to harvest, which is a season cannot be neglected without much damage, and losse of the grain. 2. Mens diligence in their worldly affaires, foreseeing and preparing for the opportunities of them, should be a spur to Ministers to set their heart upon their work, to mark the case of their people, to long for a disposition in them for embracing the Gospel, and to emprove it when they finde it in any measure; so much doth this comparison import, Say not ye, that there are yet foure moneths, and then cometh harvest; Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, &c. He saith foure moneths, either because it was so much to the harvest, and they had been speaking of it by the way, or because generally men minde it a long time before, and much more ought they to take notice of the present ripenesse of people for the Ministry.