Instead of going on to perfection they were in danger of drawing back unto sheer waste;

"Nothing but leaves";  "Wood, hay and stubble";  "Saved, yet so as through fire";

"Nigh unto cursing". Here we must stay, but shall have to take up the passage again as

introductory to the great chapter on Faith, namely, Hebrews 11:

While we may not be Hebrews, the close parallel with Phil. 3: makes this passage

one of solemn import to us all.