"...He must needs go through Samaria." (John 4:4)
"...it is not the least subject of moment to observe, the needs be, which is said for Jesus going through Samaria. It is true indeed that if Christ was going into Galilee, (see verse 43,) as he now came out of Judaea, he could go no other way. But it doth not follow, that there was a necessity that he should go at that time into Galilee. But whatever other causes there might be to this constraint, the conversion of this woman to the faith of Christ, and certain of her countrymen also, became sufficient cause. This was the time, the place, the manner, the method, and the whole train of events, linked in the chain with it; which, from all eternity had been marked for Christ's calling to himself this woman, and other Samaritans, who were effectually wrought upon, to the knowledge and belief of Jesus. Reader! what a sweet thought is it, that all things are arranged with infinite wisdom, for all the purposes of Christ's Church and people, in the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. What the world calls chance, and accident; the believer cannot admit in his creed. Every thing, from the numbering of the hairs of, our head, to the bringing home the Church to glory, is arranged, ordered, and appointed; and to a minuteness, which nothing can counteract, by the stratagem of men, or devils. Dan. 4:35. Rom. 11:36."
