Robert Traill (Sermons from 1 Peter 1:1-4), Works 4:99-100:
It is, it should be, and it will be the everlasting wonder of our hearts, that God should take so much pains to save sinners; that he thought of them from eternity; that he sent his Son to redeem them by his blood, and that he sends his Spirit to sanctify them by his grace; and that he keeps his hand about them with so much tenderness and care, till he hath brought them into his kingdom and glory. If we had faith, we would wonder at it now, but we shall wonder better at it when we come to heaven. When at any time we are awakened and enlightened to see what vile creatures we are, how incredible is it that God should take any pains about us! Why should not God frown such wretches as we are into eternal ruin? It is an easy thing with God to send a sinner to hell, for we all deserve it; but God waits upon us, and strives and labours with us, as if we were worth the having. But, alas! we are worth nothing; only as grace makes us the field from whence the praise and glory of grace shall spring up to eternity.
It is, it should be, and it will be the everlasting wonder of our hearts, that God should take so much pains to save sinners; that he thought of them from eternity; that he sent his Son to redeem them by his blood, and that he sends his Spirit to sanctify them by his grace; and that he keeps his hand about them with so much tenderness and care, till he hath brought them into his kingdom and glory. If we had faith, we would wonder at it now, but we shall wonder better at it when we come to heaven. When at any time we are awakened and enlightened to see what vile creatures we are, how incredible is it that God should take any pains about us! Why should not God frown such wretches as we are into eternal ruin? It is an easy thing with God to send a sinner to hell, for we all deserve it; but God waits upon us, and strives and labours with us, as if we were worth the having. But, alas! we are worth nothing; only as grace makes us the field from whence the praise and glory of grace shall spring up to eternity.
