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 xi.

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

one of solemn import to us all.