and the impossibility of escaping that

consequence.

IV. I shall then, in the fourth place, conclude with an inference or

two.

I. And, first, I am to shew, what we are to understand by, so great Salvation.

The term Salvation, as used in scripture, is, in general, to be understood strictly and properly, according to its grammatical import. In this sense it signifies, Deliverance from evil. Now evil is distinguished into moral and natural. Moral evil is the evil of sin; and is called evil with relation to God, as it is the reverse of his nature, and the transgression of his law. Natural evil is the evil of suffering; and this is called evil with relation to us, on whom it is inflicted as a punishment for sin, and as it is painful to our nature.

Salvation, as it respects both moral and natural evil, implies a two-fold deliverance. First, a deliverance out of it as when we see a man fallen

into a river, we draw him out, and thereby save him from drowning. In this sense we are saved when we are justified and sanctified, as we are then delivered out of that state of guilt, thraldom and misery in which we for merly lay. Secondly, a deliverance from it: as when we see a person on the brink of a river, and in danger of falling in, we lay hold on him, and prevent his falling, and thereby save him from the evil he was in danger

of. In this sense God saves us when he prevents our falling into some sin and misery which we are in danger of; and, in particular, when he prevents our falling into hell.

Again, the term Salvation is sometimes to be understood figuratively; and by a common figure, where the cause is put for the effect, signifies, The cause or means of salvation.And this is the primary and direct: meaning of the term, salvation, in the text. This is evident from the preceding and subsequent words.In the first verse of this chapter the

apostle says, "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard"—Observe, they are the things which we have HEARD with our ears, that we are to take heed to. He then adds, verse 2."For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience—of that word, received a just recompense of reward," verse 3. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation," or so great a WORD? "which at the first began to be SPOKEN by the Lord himself." &c. It is therefore certain, that by salvation the apostle here primarily intends the word, which was SPOKEN by our Lord; which was HEARD by his disciples, and which is greater than the word which was delivered by angels on mount Sinai.

But though he primarily intends the means of salvation, it is plain he does not intend them as separate from their end; from that actual salvation or deliverance from natural and moral evil before mentioned. This is

evident from the whole epistle in general, and from many passages thereof in particular. In chap. iii. ver. 6. there is a caution against neglecting the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope: all which belong to the most spiritual nature of our salvation. Ver. 12. we have a caution against an evil heart of unbelief. Ver. 13. one against being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Chap. iv. ver. 1. there is one against neglecting to enter into rest; that is, eternal life. In chap. x. ver. 38. there is one against neglecting to live by faith. Chap. xii. ver. 1. one against neglecting to lay aside every weight and the sin which does so easily beset us. Ver. 14. we are not to neglect to follow peace and holiness. And, ver. 28. we are not to neglect to have, or hold fast grace. From all that has been said it is evident, that by salvation the apostle intended, first, the gospel in general, as the means of salvation, and, secondly, that actual salvation or deliverance from evil, which is obtained thereby.

And this the apostle calls so great salvation. It is clear from the context, that, by a comparison of the law with the gospel, he intends to shew the superiority of the latter. And this he does by shewing that it was. given, and promulged by a person who is vastly superior to those who were employed in delivering all preceding dispensations. So chap. i. ver. 1. Ge at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake of old unto our fathers, by the prophets: but now, in delivering the gospel, he has made use of his Son, whom he hath appointed the heir of all things, and by whom he made the world; who is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person, and who upholds all things by the word of hi power. This salvation, then, is much superior to those former dispensations, as the almighty, and allglorious Son of God is to weak and fallible men.

Again, chap. ii. ver. 2. The law was given by angels; but this salva