2. Order and beauty are as spices set in
a garden bed. So are the graces of Christ. When spices are set in order,
any one may know what is for his use, and take and gather it accordingly.
Their answering, also, one to another makes them beautiful. So are the
graces of Christ; in the gospel they are distinctly and in order set forth,
that sinners by faith may view them, and take from him according to their
necessity. They are ordered for the use of saints in the promises of the
gospel. There is light in him, and life in him, and power in him, and all
consolation in him; — a constellation of graces, shining with glory and
beauty. Believers take a view of them all, see their glory and excellency,
but fix especially on that which, in the condition wherein they
are, is most useful to them. One takes light and joy; another, life and
power. By faith and prayer do they gather these things in this bed of
spices. Not any that comes to him goes away unrefreshed. What may they
not take, what may they not gather? what is it that the poor soul wants?
Behold, it is here provided, set out in order in the promises of the
gospel; which are as the beds wherein these spices are set for our use: and
on the account hereof is the covenant said to be “ordered in all things,”
2 Sam. xxiii. 5.