Volume 2

Dina's People 189
in Sichar as a nlarried couple. The husband was a
vigorous man of about thirty-six years with a ruddy face
and a reddish beard. There were many things in Dina's
life similar to those of Magdalen's, but she had fallen
more deeply than the latter. Still I once saw that in the
beginning of Magdalen's evil career at Magdalum, one of
her lovers lost his life at the hand of a rival. Dina was an
unconlmonly gifted, open-hearted, easily influenced,
pleasing woman of great vivacity and impetuosity, but
she was always disturbed in conscience. She was living
now nlore respectably, that is with this her reputed husband,
in a house that stood alone and surrounded by a
moat, near the gate leading from Sichar to the spring
house. Though not held in contempt by the inhabitants,
still they did not have much communication with her.
Her manners were different from theirs, her costume
elaborate and studied, all which, however, they pardoned
in her as she was a stranger.
While Jesus was speaking with Dina, the disciples
followed at some distance, wondering what He could
have to say to the woman. "We have brought Him food,
and that with a good deal of difficulty. Why, now, does
He not eat?"
When near Sichar, Dina left the Lord and hurried forward
to meet her husband and many of the citizens, who
came pouring out of their houses, all curiosity to see
Jesus. Full of joy, they exulted and shouted salutations of
welcome to Him. Jesus, standing still, motioned with His
hand for silence, and addressed them kindly for some
moments, telling them among other things to believe all
that the woman had told them. Jesus was so remarkably
gracious in His words, His glance was so bright and
penetrating that all hearts beat more quickly, all were
borne toward Him, and they were instant in their solicitations
for Him to enter and teach in their city. He promised
that He would do so, but for the present passed on.