Isai. xii. 3. With joy shall we draiv water out of the wells
of salvation.
WE wonder not that the Scriptm'es 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 dis- coveries 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,
L 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, accord- ing to the conmiandment of the everlasting God, is made known to all nations for the obedience of faiths"
a Rom. xvi. 25, 26.
880. J TlIK WELLS OF SALVATION. 561
Now let any one contemplate this mystery, and endeavour to explore the ivisdom, the love, the mercy, and the grace con- tained 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 philoso- phers 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 siimer 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 pro- mises 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.]