1. A sense of the sovereignty of grace in conversion will first increase
1. A sense of the sovereignty of grace in conversion will first increase thankfulness. Converts only are fit to show forth the praises of Christ: 'That you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light,' 1 Peter 2:9; virtues of Christ. The end why God sets men at liberty from prisons and dungeons, and from fear of death and condemnation for great sins, is, that they may be fitted, and gain a convenient standing, to publish to the world the virtues of him; i.e. the mercy, meekness, patience, bounty, truth, and other royal perfections of Christ.
Men at their first conversion receive the grace of God with astonishment; for it is an amazing light, 1 Peter 2:9, most amazing at the first appearance of it; as the northern nations, that want the sun for some months in the winter, are ready to deify it when it appears in their horizon; for the thickness of the foregoing darkness makes the lustre of the sun more admirable. But suppose a man had been all his lifetime like a mole underground, and had never seen so much as the light of a candle, and had a view of that weak light at a distance, how would he admire it when he compares it with his former darkness? But if he should be brought further to behold the moon with its train of stars, his amazement would increase with the light. But let this person behold the sun, be touched with its warm beams, and enjoy the pleasure of seeing those rarities which the sun discovers, he will bless himself, adore it, and embrace that person that led him to enjoy such a benefit. And the darkness he sat in before will endear the present splendour to him, swell up such a spring-tide of astonishment, as that there shall be no more spirit in him. God lets men sit long in the shadow of death, and run to the utmost of sin before he stops them, that their danger may enhance their deliverance.
We admire more when we are pulled out of danger than when we are prevented from running into it. A criminal will be more thankful for a pardon when it comes just as he is about to be executed. If there are degrees of harmony in heaven, undoubtedly the converted thief on the cross sings louder notes than others, because he had little