The application of redemption

Answ. Be it granted, Thy life might be prolonged, the words of the text do most apparently dash this presumptuous conceit, Its the Season of Gods acceptation; Its not in thy power, but depends merely upon his good Will: We are not the Patrons of the means of Grace, much less of their work, it is not in our Gift; the Sending and Blessing of both issues only from the good pleasure of the Almighty: prolong not then, put not off the time, deny not Gods gracious offer, lest thou never have offer again; he that now holds out the golden Sceptre of Mercy to receive thee, hath an Iron rod wherewith he can […] thee to nothing, and break thee in pieces like a Potters vessel: He that hath the Keys of David, and now sets open the gate of Salvation, he can shut it and no man shall open it any more; and when thou hast stayed too long, and comest too late, thou mayest knock hard with the foolish Virgin, and cry aloud with Esau, and yet receive neither Blessing, ⟨p. 259⟩nor Birthright, and its just with God it should be […], that the Word which thou hast despised, should […] […] a dead, or killing Letter, and never work […]; the motions of his Spirit which thou hast […], should never stir more with thee. Thus Wisdom threateneth the scorners of her Counsel, Prov. 1. 24. Because I have called and they refused, I […] stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, […] they shall call, but I will not answer; they […] seek me early, but they shall not find me.

Answ. Be it granted, Thy life might be prolonged, the words of the text do most apparantly dash this presumptuous conceit, Its the Season of Gods acceptation; Its not in thy power, but depends meerly upon his good Will: We are not the Patrons of the means of Grace, much less of their work, it is not in our Gift; the Sending and Blessing of both issues only from the good pleasure of the Almighty: prolong not then, put not off the time, deny not Gods gracious offer, lest thou never have offer again; he that now holds out the golden Scepter of Mercy to receive thee, hath an Iron rod wherwith he can 〈…〉 thee to nothing, and break thee in pieces like a Potters vessel: He that hath the Keyes of David, and now sets open the gate of Salvation, he can shut it and no man shall open it any more; and when thou hast stayed too long, and comest too late, thou mayest knock hard with the foolish Virgin, and cry aloud with Esau, and yet receive neither Blessing,