Tradition
St. Irenaeus
Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeus
Chapter 10
It is indeed proper to God, and befitting His character, to show mercy and pity, and to bring salvation to His creatures, even though they be brought under danger of destruction. “For with Him,” says the Scripture, “is propitiation.”
Source: Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeus (New Advent)