January 21

"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." — Isaiah 12:3.

THE Bible abounds with figurative language, and metaphorical representations. The blessings of salvation are frequently compared to water. Thus we read of rivers, fountains, streams, living waters, and wells; all to set forth the cleansing, reviving and elevating nature, and the inexhaustible fulness of these blessings. Let us look at

THE WELLS OF SALVATION. What is meant by them?

The eternal love of God. It reaches from everlasting to everlasting in its length; it extends to men of every clime, and alike encircles Jew and Gentile, such is its width; it reaches the lowest shades of misery and despair, such is its depth; and it conducts to the full enjoyment of God in heaven, such is its height.

The gracious mediation of Christ. To use the language of Dr. Chalmers, this throws an archway of communication between the realms of sense and spirit,—it is the mystic ladder which conducts man to the altitude of the eternal and immutable God. By the doctrine of the incarnation he is pictured to the world with a human countenance, heard in a human voice, and seen in the deeds and footsteps of a human history.

The sacred influences of the Spirit. 'T is he alone that can illumine the understanding, soften the heart, and sanctify the soul. His operations are mysterious in their manner, wonderful in their nature, extensive in their range, effectual in their power, and glorious in their effects.

The precious promises of the Gospel. The promises of God are all sure, though not dated; this exercises faith, induces hope, and excites to prayer.

We have seen what these wells are, now let us notice

THE CHRISTIAN'S BLESSED EMPLOYMENT. He draws water. By what means? In the exercise of meditation. This is highly conducive not only to the formation of our Christian character, but to the promotion of our spiritual comfort and prosperity. By reading the Scriptures, many have drawn the sweetest consolations from the wells of salvation. By prayer, which is the golden key that unlocks the treasures of heaven. All this must be done in faith, and with a dependence on his grace.

In what manner? "With joy." Joy because of the very nature of the blessings he derives; they are soul-reviving and refreshing. Joy because of their freeness. The wells are open to all who will draw from them. Joy because of their inexhaustible fulness. They may be compared to a vast ocean, incessantly rolling its billows, without finding bottom or shore—or to eternity itself,—without exhaustion, without diminution, without end. Let me often be found beside these wells, with the sentiment of the poet,—

"Lord, I am come to seek supplies And drive my wants away."