Bible Commentaries

DISCOURSE: 879

THE BELIEVER’S SONG

Isaiah 12:1-2. In that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold. God is my salvation: I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

GLORIOUS prospects are open to our poor benighted world. The time is coming, and we trust it is not far distant, when “all the kingdoms of the world, whether of Jews or Gentiles, shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ.” “The Root of Jesse,” the Lord Jesus Christ, does already “stand as an ensign to the Gentiles;” and though but few, comparatively, have flocked to his standard yet, he shall “gather to him all nations” ere long, and “his rest shall be glorious [Note: Isaiah 11:10.].” His ancient people, too, shall return to him, and experience at his hands mercies similar to those with which they were favoured in the day that they came forth put of the land of Egypt [Note: Isaiah 11:11-16.]. For them all, and especially for the latter, is this song prepared; and it shall be sung by them with most exalted joy. But we need not wait till that day: for every redeemed soul is authorized to adopt it, as expressing his own feelings in the contemplation of the blessings vouchsafed unto him.

To assist you in the attainment of this heavenly frame, I will shew,

I. That praise is the proper employment of the whole intelligent creation—

[When God first called forth the universe into existence, he made every thing for the glory of his own great name: and to this hour “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.” Whilst these inferior works unconsciously proclaim his praise, his intelligent creatures more especially engage in this delightful work; and, so far as they are restored to their original state, account it their highest happiness to glorify their God [Note: Psalms 145:10.]. Conceive of our first parents in Paradise: how, may we suppose, were their minds occupied, whilst they retained their primeval innocency? No doubt they contemplated, with incessant admiration, the perfections of Him to whom they owed their existence, and the obligations conferred upon them above all the rest of the creation, the angels alone excepted. Now, what reason is there why our employment should not accord with theirs? Be it granted, that we have cares and labours, to which they, in their state of innocence, were strangers: after their fall, they were no strangers either to the one or to the other: yet we cannot doubt out that they endeavoured to blend these holy feelings with their daily occupations; and, instead of complaining of religion as a task, they found in the exercise of it their richest solace and support. In this, all the most eminent saints have resembled them. David, especially, was in the habit of praising God, as it were, “all the day long,” and of putting forth all the powers of his soul in that holy exercise [Note: Psalms 35:28; Psalms 103:1-2.]. Doubtless it is necessary for us to pour out also our supplications before the Most High: yea, we should “pray without ceasing:” but yet should we also “in every thing give thanks; for this also is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us [Note: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.].” The perfections of God are still the same as ever, and our obligations to him are the same; or rather, they are infinitely increased; inasmuch as the gift of his only dear Son to die for us, is, in comparison of all other gifts, as the radiance of the sun when compared with the twinkling of a star. I say not then too much, when I affirm, that “praise is comely for the upright [Note: Psalms 33:1.];” and that it is no less our happiness than our duty to abound in it, every day, and all the day long. In truth, this is the felicity of heaven: for all the hosts, whether of saints or angels, are engaged continually in this one employment of singing praises unto God: the one, for for all the wonders of redeeming love; and the other, for the blessed experience which they have of it in their own souls [Note: Revelation 5:8-13.].]

That you may enter upon this blessed work without delay, I proceed to shew,

II. What abundant occasion for it there is to the redeemed soul— The mercies vouchsafed to every true convert are here set forth,

1. In a way of simple acknowledgment—

[With every soul of man has God been angry, seeing that there is not one of all the human race that has not violated his holy laws — — — But, when we seek for mercy at his hands in his Son’s name, “he turns away from us his anger,” and “sheds abroad in our hearts a sense of his love” — — —

Say now, whether one so “comforted” has not reason to bless and adore his God? See the soul when trembling through dread of his displeasure: see it when first the light of God’s reconciled countenance is lifted up upon it: see it when the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, is sent forth to dwell in it as his temple, and to manifest unto it all the riches of redeeming grace—Has such an one no ground for praise and joy? Verily, “if he should hold his peace, the very stones would cry out against him.”]

2. In a way of exultation and triumph—

[“Behold, God is my salvation!” says the believing soul. How wonderful a truth! Methinks, if it were not uttered by the voice of inspiration, one would be almost ready to call it blasphemy. What! Is God, even the Most High God, our salvation? Yes; and not our Saviour only, but salvation itself; inasmuch as He dwells in us, and abides in us, and “works all our works in us.” Hence the believing soul further adds, “The Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.” This is blessing not future, but present; not hoped for, but actually possessed. The Lord God, Almighty himself has undertaken for us. Yes, our Saviour is no other than the Deity incarnate, “God with us,” “God manifest in the flesh,” and “purchasing the Church with his own blood.” Every thing that was necessary for our reconciliation with God, He wrought for us on the cross: and every thing that is necessary to make us meet for our inheritance He works in us, by his Holy Spirit: so that, whilst he is “our strength, he is also our song” from day to day.

I ask then, Is here no cause to praise our God? The wonder is, that any person, thus favoured, can find time for any other employment, or have any inclination to utter a word which has not a direct reference to these mercies.]

In our text, we further see,

III. What is that frame of mind with which our praise should ever be accompanied—

Many will be the trials of a Christian, notwithstanding all that he is privileged to enjoy—

[Still will he have many conflicts with his in-dwelling corruptions; and be constrained, at times, to cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me?” — — — Satan, too, that meat and subtle adversary of God and man, will doubtless assault him with all manner of temptations; insomuch, that, if God were not to uphold him, he could never stand — — — Nor will he find light difficulties even from his fellow-creatures, who will exert themselves to the uttermost, both by fraud and violence, to obstruct his way — — —]

But, in the midst of all, his heart will be stayed upon the Lord—

[“I will trust, and not be afraid,” is the continued language of his soul. He knows in whom he has believed; and that his God is “able to keep that which he has committed to him;” yea, and pledged also, to “save to the uttermost all that come to him in his Son’s name.” Hence he says, “The Lord is my strength and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid [Note: Psalms 27:1.]?” “If God be for me, who can be against me?” Thus is “his heart fixed, trusting in the Lord;” and he goes forth to his daily conflicts assured of victory, yea, assured that he shall be “more than conqueror through him that loved him.”]

And now let me,

1. Take up a lamentation over those who have never yet seen this day—

[How many of us are there who are not even sensible that God is angry with them, or that, consequently, have never cried to him in earnest to turn away his displeasure? Let each consult the records of his own heart, and say whether this be not his unhappy condition? Yes, verily, there are many amongst us, it is to be feared, who have never, in their whole lives, shed one tear for their sins, nor ever uttered one cry to God for the remission of them. And what must I say to you? I have no wish to lay upon you more guilt than you have contracted: but you all are sinners before God, and as sinners, are obnoxious to his wrath. You all therefore need to repent of your sins, and to implore mercy at the hands of your offended God, in the name and through the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ: and if you have not done this in sincerity and truth, you are at this moment “under condemnation, and the wrath of God abideth on you [Note: John 3:18; John 3:36.].” As to the consolations of God’s Spirit, you are as much strangers to them as if no such blessings ever were vouchsafed to mortal man. Were you to hear one speaking of the manifestations of God’s presence to his soul, and of a sense of God’s love shed abroad in his heart, you would account it all enthusiasm and delusion. Say, then, whether you be not in a most deplorable condition? For, if God’s anger be not turned away from you here, do you suppose it shall be in the eternal world? No, indeed: you will there have to endure his frowns to all eternity, and to “drink of the cup of his indignation for ever and ever.” The Lord avert from every one of you this fearful doom! But remember, that till your experience accord in good measure with that described in my text, you have not any scriptural hope of happiness in the realms of bliss. It is in vain to think that you shall spend eternity in songs of praise, when you have never had your hearts tuned to them in this present life.]

2. Offer my congratulations to those with whom this day has commenced—

[Though, as far as respects God’s ancient people and the world at large, this day is yet distant, to the real Christian it is already come; as many of you, I trust, can attest. And what terms can I find sufficient to express the congratulations due to you? Carnal friends will congratulate you on the acquisition of wealth and honour: but if crowns and kingdoms had been given you, I should account them of no value in comparison of the blessings which you enjoy. Pardon of sin, peace with God, the consolations of his Spirit, and the prospect of his glory—what on earth can be added to you? The things of this world, in comparison of all this, are but as the small dust upon the balance. I ask not, whether you possess any earthly comfort: if God be yours, what can you want? If “God be your strength, your song, and your salvation,” truly you have heaven already begun in your souls. Know, then, your blessedness, and estimate it aright: and not only “say, O Lord, I will praise thee,” but do it: do it with your whole hearts; do it with your whole souls; and do it, not only with your lips, but in your lives; by giving up yourselves to His service, and by walking before him in righteousness and holiness, without ceasing, and without reserve.]

DISCOURSE: 880

THE WELLS OF SALVATION

Isaiah 12:3. With joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation.

WE wonder not that the Scriptures are read with so little interest by the generality: for, till persons know somewhat of their lost estate, and of the way of salvation provided for them, the Bible is to them a sealed book. But let them once experience a taste of the Redeemer’s love, and instantly they will find in the inspired volume mines of wealth. Such a storehouse is that blessed book to the godly in this day: and such will it be to the Jewish Church, when once they shall be converted to the faith of Christ. “In that day they will say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.” (Such will be the reflections at the time of their first discoveries of God’s mercy to them in Christ Jesus. Then they will advance farther to express their full confidence in God.) “Behold, God is my salvation! I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Then will they be fully prepared to derive the richest benefit from the Scriptures: and) “therefore shall they draw water with joy out of the wells of salvation.”

That we may form a just estimate of their privilege, let us consider,

I. The character by which the Scriptures are here designated—

The expression, “wells of salvation,” is supposed by many to be spoken of Christ: and doubtless it may be very fitly applied to him. But I rather understand it of the Scriptures, from whence, as from an inexhaustible fountain, all true comfort flows. They eminently deserve that name,

1. As containing in themselves all the blessings of salvation—

[The whole of salvation, as planned in the Divine counsels from all eternity, as executed for us by the Lord Jesus Christ in his incarnate state, as still carrying on by him at the right hand of his Father, and as offered through him to every child of man, is there fully contained. “This mystery of Godliness was indeed kept secret since the world began; but now it is made manifest; and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith [Note: Romans 16:25-26.].”

Now let any one contemplate this mystery, and endeavour to explore the wisdom, the love, the mercy, and the grace contained in it: how surpassing all finite comprehension will they be found! Verily, the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of this mystery, and of the wonders contained in it, are utterly unsearchable; and the blessings flowing from it are a plenteous and perennial spring, for the refreshment of all on earth, and of all in heaven.]

2. As revealing them for our use—

[In the whole world besides, there is not to be found one drop of water to satisfy a thirsty soul. Where can one look that is oppressed with a sense of guilt? Where, one who is mourning over the corruptions of his nature? Go to those who have not the Scriptures: go to even the wisest philosophers of Greece and Rome; and see how vain were all their expedients for pacifying a guilty soul, or purifying a polluted soul. But in the Scriptures we find all that a sinner can desire; an atonement sufficient for the sins of the whole world; and an Almighty Agent ready to dwell in the hearts of all who seek him, and engaged to transform into the divine image all who commit their souls to him. In them are promises suited to every condition incident to our fallen nature; as suited to refresh the soul, as water is to allay our thirst. Conceive of every want with which a sinner can be oppressed, and the appropriate relief will there be found.]

3. As actually imparting them to our souls—

[As a spring pours forth its waters, so do the Scriptures impart life, and peace, and strength, to all who go to them as God’s appointed channel of communication to their souls. They have within themselves a life-giving virtue [Note: John 4:10.]; so that, when brought home and applied by the Spirit of God, they quicken the dead, and give a vital energy to all our powers. They are able, not only to “make men wise unto salvation [Note: 2 Timothy 3:15.],” but to impart salvation itself; being “like fire” to consume dross, and “a hammer to break the rock in pieces [Note: Jeremiah 23:29.],” and “a two-edged sword to pierce the very inmost soul [Note: Hebrews 4:12.].” and “a weapon to destroy every enemy [Note: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.].” They have a power to enlighten the darkest mind [Note: Psalms 19:7-8.], and to sanctify all on whom they operate aright [Note: John 15:3; John 17:19.]; and so to sanctify them, as to prepare them for the perfect fruition of their God [Note: Ephesians 5:26-27.].]

Think then of,

II. The blessedness of having access to them—

Truly we should never contemplate them but with joy, on account of,

1. The freeness with which we may approach them—

[There is no prohibition to any creature under heaven. About wells that have been dug for a supply of common water, there have been the fiercest contentions [Note: Genesis 26:18-21.]: but these are public property, and equally accessible to all: none have to “pay for this water,” as Israel had [Note: Numbers 20:19.]: it is to be had “without money and without price [Note: Isaiah 55:1.].” True indeed it is that there are many, protestants as well as papists, who would bar our access to them: but God has given to all an equal right to come to them: for his invitation is, “Let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely [Note: Revelation 22:17.].”]

2. The ease with which we may draw from them—

[There are those who think it in vain for the poor to come to them, seeing that “the wells are deep, and they have nothing to draw with [Note: John 4:11.].” But be it known, that however valuable learning may be for the attaining of a critical acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, it is not at all necessary for a spiritual perception of their truths. It is faith, and not learning, that is wanting for that end. All the learning in the universe will not impart to us a spiritual discernment, any more than it will furnish us with any corporeal organs. It is faith alone that will avail us here. That discerns the things which are not visible to mortal eyes; and will go to the very bottom of these wells, and draw from thence the most refreshing consolations.]

3. The abundance that we may receive out of them—

[When the rock was struck by Moses, the waters gushed out in such abundance, that the whole camp of Israel, with all their cattle, could drink thereof. And, if all the sinners in the universe will go to these wells, they shall find no lack for the supply of their most enlarged necessities. Our Lord says, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink; and out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water [Note: John 7:37-38.].” Indeed, the more intense and ardent your thirst is, the more abundant shall be the blessings which you shall derive from them — — —]

4. The perfect satisfaction that we may find in them—

[“Whoever drinks of other waters will thirst again: but whoever drinks of these wells, will never thirst: for the water which he has received will be in him as a well of water springing up into everlasting life [Note: John 4:13-14, Isaiah 49:9-10.].” I may appeal to all, whether the most copious draughts of carnal pleasure ever satisfied? Solomon, who drank as deep of it as a human being could do, pronounced it all to be vanity and vexation of spirit. “The eye was never yet satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing.” But he who has obtained the knowledge of Christ, and drunk deep of the promises of the Gospel, has no longer any relish for earthly vanities, nor any desire after them. Give him all the world, and he feels empty: give him the presence of God, and he desires no more.]

Address—

1. Those who are going to broken cisterns—

[What is the creature but “a broken cistern that can hold no water?” — — — And will you for this forsake “the fountain of living waters [Note: Jeremiah 2:13.]?” Let me prevail on every one of you to go to God as your reconciled God in Christ Jesus, and to say with David, “All my fresh springs are in thee [Note: Psalms 87:7.].]

2. Those who are drinking from “the fountain of life [Note: Psalms 36:9.]”—

[Say whether you have not “a joy with which the stranger intermeddleth not?” Say whether the fountains do not richly supply you; and whether, even on the highest places, which, according to human apprehension, are inaccessible to rivers, the rivers do not follow you [Note: Isaiah 41:17-18.]? Yes, till you arrive at heaven itself, the streams shall never fail; and even there shall they run beside you for your comfort to eternal ages [Note: Revelation 7:17.].]

DISCOURSE: 881

THE BELIEVER’S SONG

Isaiah 12:3-6. With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

THE restoration of the Jews, and their union with the Gentiles under one head, the Lord Jesus Christ, is foretold so plainly by the inspired writers, that we have no doubt at all but that it shall be accomplished in due season. The prediction contained in the foregoing chapter is peculiarly full and express. It relates not to Judah only, but to the ten tribes also; who shall be brought from Assyria, as the other two tribes once were from Babylon. The ensign to which they will flock, is that of the Son of Jesse, the Lord Jesus [Note: Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 11:12.]: and the joy excited in their breasts will be like that which their fathers felt at their deliverance from Egypt, when they beheld all their enemies dead upon the sea-shore.

The chapter before us is a song, which shall be sung on that occasion by the whole assembly of the Lord’s people: and in it we see,

I. Their high privilege—

The learned prelate to whom the world is so much indebted for his translation of the Prophecies of Isaiah, renders the first verse of our text, not, “Therefore ye shall draw,” but, “When ye shall draw;” which all will do in the day to which our text refers. But,

There are wells of salvation now open unto us—

[Often is our blessed Lord and Saviour represented under the image of a well or fountain [Note: Psalms 36:9. Zechariah 13:1. Another view of the subject is here taken, different from that in the preceding discourse. As the precise import of the “wells” is not determined in Scripture, it may be taken either way.] — — — And he himself, in his conversation with the Samaritan woman, assumed, as it were, that title [Note: John 4:6-14.]. Moreover, the very passage from whence our text is taken was applied by him to himself.

At the feast of Tabernacles a custom obtained, which will fully illustrate our text. The people on the last day of that feast used to go in procession, and draw water from the pool of Siloam, and then to mix it with wine, and pour it on the sacrifices. There was no direction for this in the law of Moses; but the custom was instituted by the Jews themselves after their return from the Babylonish captivity, with a reference to this prophecy which we are now considering. On the day of this ceremony, Jesus stood in the place where the procession was passing, and cried, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink [Note: John 7:37-40.]:” as if he had said, ‘I am the person spoken of by the Prophet, and the person whom ye profess to expect: and, if you will believe in me, I will give you my Holy Spirit in such abundance, as shall be effectual for your present peace, and your everlasting salvation.’ Indeed, his person, (as God-man,) his work, (even his whole obedience unto death,) his offices, (as our Great High Priest that makes atonement for us, our King that rules over us and in us, and our Prophet that guides us into all truth,) may all be considered as so many wells from whence our salvation flows — — — Yea, his word also, and ordinances, may be considered in the same light, because from them we draw all the instruction, the grace, the consolation, that we stand in need of.]

From these we may draw water with joy—

[Truly there is nothing which can conduce to our salvation, which is not to be found in Christ. The water that he will give us will cleanse us at once from all the guilt and defilement of sin: it will purify our very nature, so that we shall be renewed after the Divine image in righteousness and true holiness.” From him all may draw. Not a sinner in the universe is so unworthy, but that he may come to Christ, and by faith receive from him whatsoever he stands in need of. The invitation is given to “all who thirst:” no qualification is required on their part, except an earnest desire, and a humble faith: they may take as much as they can wish freely, “without money and without price [Note: Isaiah 55:1.].” They are not in the situation of Hagar, who when she relieved her son’s thirst from the small vessel that she had taken, grudged, as it were, every drop that was expended, because she knew not where to obtain enough to satisfy his returning wants, which would speedily arise: they may come and draw “with joy,” knowing that the supply is inexhaustible, and perfectly commensurate with all their wants. The very first taste of this water shall so invigorate their souls, that they shall feel “like a giant refreshed with wine:” and every successive draught shall “strengthen them with might in their inner man,” and “fill them, as it were, with all the fulness of God [Note: Ephesians 3:19.].”]

But the true virtue of this fountain will be best seen in,

II. Their heavenly employment—

There is a remarkable difference between the two parts of this divine song: in that which precedes our text, the expressions relate entirely to the case of the individual himself; but, in the text, the individual rises to the concerns of others, and becomes, as it were, a preacher to all around him. Hence then we see the employment of all true Christians:

1. They glorify God themselves—

[The first thought of their hearts is that of humble gratitude for the unspeakable mercy of reconciliation with God. They look back, and see the innumerable offences whereby they have excited the displeasure of Almighty God, and how justly they might have been made monuments of his wrathful indignation. They contemplate the state of those who have died in their sins, and wonder that they themselves are not now taking their portion with them. They then contrast the happy state to which they themselves are brought through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus: they behold God as reconciled to them through the blood of his cross; and with inexpressible comfort are enabled to address him by the endearing name of Father. In the view of these things they exclaim with profoundest adoration, “O Lord, I will praise thee: for though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me.”

From thence they proceed to glory in God with unshaken affiance: for, What can they want, who have God himself for their salvation? “If God be for them, who can be against them?” “Jehovah himself is their strength,” “dwelling in them,” “working in them mightily,” and “enabling them always to triumph in Christ.” Shall he not then be “their Song?” Yes; “they know in whom they have believed:” they know his power, and love; his faithfulness and truth: and therefore, though on the field of battle, they assure themselves of victory, and anticipate with joy unspeakable the final issue of their conflicts. Not that they are blind to the difficulties which they have to encounter, or ignorant of the enemies they have to contend with: but they see Jehovah himself engaged for them by covenant and by oath; and in the confidence that he will never leave them nor forsake them, they say, “I will trust and not be afraid;” “being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ [Note: Philippians 1:6.].”]

They stir up others to glorify him also—

[Having a light kindled in their souls, they “do not put it under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick,” that others may see their light. They burn with zeal for God, and would gladly extend the knowledge of him to the ends of the earth. They are filled with love also to their fellow-creatures; and would not have one to perish, if by any means they might be instrumental to the salvation of his soul. Towards the household of faith in particular they feel an ardent desire to promote their advancement in all that is “lovely and of good report.” Hence they exhort one another to abound in praise and thanksgiving to their common Lord and Saviour: they urge one another to “call upon him,” to “declare his name,” to make known his love, to commend him to the whole world. They would have all to “sing unto Him” “with thanksgiving and the voice of melody.” They cannot endure the thought that “an inhabitant of Zion” should be silent; they would have every believer to cry out and shout,” so that, were it possible, the whole universe might hear.

They remind each other of the great things which the Saviour has done, and is yet doing, for his Church and people. They delight to speak of “the excellent things” which he has done, in assuming our nature, and dying in our stead, and working out for us a free and full salvation: and they rejoice no less to contemplate, how “great the Holy One of Israel is in the midst of them,” and how certainly he will put clown all their enemies, and “bruise Satan himself under their feet.”

These are things which are the daily subject of their thoughts, their conversation, and their praise: and in proportion as any are endued with his grace, they will infallibly abound in these holy exercises.]

Learn then from hence,

1. How great a matter is the salvation of the soul—

[Many think of it as a matter of course — — — but not so the person who has been taught of God: he sees that it is a miracle of mercy that any child of man is saved. That he himself has obtained mercy, is to the true Christian a source of wonder and amazement. That God should ever look upon him, and pardon him, and save him! he knows not how to express his sense of such amazing love. He would have “the rocks and hills to break forth into singing, and all the trees of the wood to clap their hands with joy.” And if we have never thus been penetrated with a sense of God’s unbounded love, we are yet strangers to the salvation he has wrought out for us.]

2. How precious is Christ to all who know him—

[Mere nominal Christians can think and speak of him without emotion; but not so the persons who “have tasted of his grace:” they can never find words whereby to express their love and gratitude to their adorable Benefactor. They are ashamed that they can ever think or speak of any thing else. “To them indeed he is precious;” and, if they could have their desire, they would love him, and serve him, and glorify him, on earth, even as the glorified saints are doing it in heaven. Is this your experience, my beloved Brethren? Does the whole universe appear to you but “as a broken cistern,” and is Christ the only fountain from whence you desire to draw? O that you may be able more and more to say, “All my fresh springs are in thee [Note: Psalms 87:7.]!”]

3. How happy is the Christian’s state—

[Doubtless there is a great diversity in men’s attainments: there are babes, and young men, and fathers in the family of Christ. But in this there is a resemblance among them all: they are full of gratitude to their incarnate God: and all their hope is in his power and grace. They are also active in diffusing the knowledge of him. They will not spend their time in disputing about matters of doubtful disputation, whether relating to doctrines, or to sects and parties, but will labour to promote the glory of their God. Whether they be ministers or not, they will all be priests in their own families, and all be anxious to guide their friends and neighbours to the knowledge of the truth. Having experienced the life-giving virtue of that fountain, will they see their neighbours perishing with thirst, and not point it out? No: they will desire that others should “receive out of the fulness that is in Christ,” and would have “all flesh to see the salvation of God.”]