Remember, salvation is a free gift, and it is a free gift _for us_.
Can you buy it? It is a free gift, presented to "whosoever" will
accept it.
Suppose I were to say, I will give this Bible to "whosoever" will take
it; what have you got to do? Why, nothing but take it. But a man comes
forward, and says:
"I'd like that Bible very much."
"Well, didn't I say 'whosoever' will can have it?"
"Yes; but I'd like to have you mention my name."
"Well, here it is."
Still he keeps eyeing the Bible, and saying, "I'd like to have that
Bible; but I'd like to give you something for it. I don't like to take
it for nothing."
"But I am not here to sell Bibles; take it, if you want it."
"Well, I want it; but I'd like to give you something for it. Let me
give you a cent for it; though, to be sure, it's worth about five
dollars."
Suppose I accept the cent; the man takes up the Bible and marches away
home with it.