November 18, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"A spring shut up, a fountain sealed." — Song of Songs 4:12 · KJV

In this metaphor, which refers to the inner life of a believer, we plainly have the idea of secrecy. It is a spring shut up. Just as in the East there were springs over which a building was raised, so that none could reach them but those who knew the secret entrance, so is the heart of a believer when renewed by grace: there is a mysterious life within that no human skill can touch. It is a secret no other man knows — no, that the very man who possesses it cannot tell his neighbor. 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, a fountain bearing a particular mark — a king's royal seal — so that all may see it is no common fountain, but one owned by a proprietor and set apart by itself. So it is 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 others do not have; 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 — a spring kept for Jesus. Every Christian should feel that he has God's seal on him, and be able to say with Paul, "From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Another idea stands out — that of security. Oh, how sure and safe is the inner life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and hell combined against it, that immortal principle must still exist, for He who gave it pledged His life for its preservation. And who "is he that will harm you," when God is your protector?