J.C. Ryle on the Unsearchable Riches of Christ

"Set down in your minds that there are unsearchable riches in the characteristic qualities, attributes, and dispositions and intentions of Christ's mind towards man, as we find them revealed in the New Testament.  In Him there are riches of mercy, love and compassion for sinners; riches of power to cleanse, pardon, forgive, and to save to the uttermost; riches of willingness to receive all who come to Him repenting and believing; riches of ability to change by His Spirit the hardest hearts and worst characters; riches of tender patience to bear with the weakest believer; riches of strength to help His people to the end, notwithstanding every foe without and within; riches of sympathy for all who are cast down and bring their troubles to Him and, last but not least, riches of glory to reward, when He comes again to raise the dead and gather His people to be with Him in His kingdom.  Who can estimate these riches?  The children of this world may regard them with indifference, or turn away from them with disdain; but those who feel the value of their souls know better.  They will say with one voice, 'There are no riches like those which are laid up in Christ for His people'"  (J.C. Ryle, Holiness).