Spurgeon Meditations

 

A spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

Son 0 12

In this metaphor which has reference to the inner life of a believer we have very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is a spring shut up: just as there were springs in the East over which an edifice was built so that none could reach them save those who knew the secret entrance; so is the heart of a believer when it is renewed by grace: there is a mysterious life within which no human skill can touch. It is a secret which no other man knoweth; nay which the very man who is the possessor of it cannot tell to his neighbour. The text includes not only secrecy but separation. It is not the common spring of which every passer-by may drink it is one kept and preserved from all others; it is a fountain bearing a particular mark--a king's royal seal so that all can perceive that it is not a common fountain but a fountain owned by a proprietor and placed specially by itself alone. So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of God were separated in the eternal decree; they were separated by God in the day of redemption; and they are separated by the possession of a life which others have not; and it is impossible for them to feel at home with the world or to delight in its pleasures. There is also the idea of sacredness. The spring shut up is preserved for the use of some special person: and such is the Christian's heart. It is a spring kept for Jesus. Every Christian should feel that he has God's seal upon him--and he should be able to say with Paul From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my bodythe marks of the Lord Jesus. Another idea is prominent--it is that of security. Oh! how sure and safe is the inner life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and hell could combine against it that immortal principle must still exist for He who gave it pledged His life for its preservation. And who "is He that shall harm you when God is your protector?% 11/19/AM Avoid foolish questions." --Titus 3:9 Our days are few and are far better spent in doing good than in disputing over matters which are at best of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said neither party is any the wiser and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials are all foolish and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle's precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy contentious and needless strivings. There are however some questions which are the reverse of foolish which we must not avoid but fairly and honestly meet such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord and watching as a servant should do who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to cavilling let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example to "avoid foolish questions."


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