A spring shut up, a fountain sealed
Song of Solomon 4:12
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 body the
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?
