III. Thus having largely shown what is meant by neglecting so great salvation, I proceed, Thirdly, to shew the consequence of neglecting it; together with the absolute impossibility of escaping that consequence, if we neglect it.

And, First, as to the consequence of neglecting it. This has often been mentioned in general, in the course of the preceding pages. But we will now be a little more particular.

In the verse preceding the text the apostle observes, that the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and that every transgression and disobedience received a JUST RECOMPENSE OF REWARD: that is, they received such a recompense as in its quality and quantity, was justly due to the nature and degree of such an offence. He then adds, "How shall we escape"-a just recompense of reward, "if we neg lect so great salvation?"-But what is that just recompense of reward which belongs to the neglecters of this salvation? I answer, such as in its

quality and quantity, that is, in its NaTURE and DEGREE is justly due to total and final apostasy.

As to the nature of the punishment, the apostle saith, chap. vi. verse 8.that their END IS TO BE burned." Mr. Henry, on these words saith, "Apostasy will be punished with EVERLASTING BURNINGS, With the fire that shall never be quenched. This is the sad end to which apostasy leads, and therefore Christians should go on, and grow in grace, lest if they do not go forward, they should go backward, till they bring matters to this woeful extremity of sin and misery."*

In chap. x. ver. 27. we are informed with what they are to be burned, and also in what manner. And, first they are to be burned with a fiery indignation. That is, with the fierce displeasure, wrath, and vengeance of a sin avenging GOD. Secondly, this fiery indignation is to devour them. That is, it is to devour them, body

* Henry on the place.

and soul forever. Menochius and Estius, as quoted by the calvinian Pool, say, "Estprosopæia, quâ igni tribuit vitam et vires, sensum, zelum pro gioria Dei, vindicandisque illius injuriis, et impatientiam tantæ moræ et dilationis; ut ignis sit instar irritatæ feræ, quæ prædam apprehendit et devorat, vel instar lictoris acerbati, qui gestit vindicare" it is a prosopopoeia, which attributes to fire, life, strength, sense, and zeal for God's glory, and for the revenging of the injuries done to him, and impatient of so long delay; insomuch that fire is represented like an angry wild beast, that seizes upon and devours its prey, or like an exasperated executioner who is impatient to strike the blow.* And Estius says again, "Instur ignis acerrime et celerrime punit:" like fire he punishes in the most quick and severe manner.f Mr. Henry saith, "Some think this refers to the dreadful destruction of the Jewish church and state; but certain

* Syn. Crit. in loc. + lbid.

ly it refers also to the utter destruction that awaits for all obstinate APOSTATES AT DEATH AND JUDGMENT, when the Judge shall discover a fiery indignation against them, that will devour the adversaries: They will be consigned over to the devouring fire, and to everlasting burnings."* Thus the APOSTATES shall know, by woeful experience, that vengeance belongeth unto the Lord; that He will recompense; that He will judge the people; and that it is a dreadful thing for them to fall into the hands of the living God," chap. x. verse 30, 31. and that to such, "Our God is a consuming fire." chap. xii. verse 29.

But in what quantity, or degree will this punishment be inflicted on them? I answer, It shall be inflicted in a larger quantity, or in a greater degree than upon any other sinners who ever lived. To make this appear, I shall observe, 1. That the manifestations of Himself, which, from time to time,

*Henry on the place.

God has made to the world, have been in various degrees. The lowest manifestation of himself was to the Heathens, by the light of nature. The manifestation of himself made to the Jews, by Moses and the Prophets, rose several degrees higher. But the most clear, full, and perfect manifestation of all, is that made by Christ and his gospel see chap. viii. verse 10, 11. chap. ix. verse 7-9. 11. Observe, 2. That as GOD has manifested himself to different people, in different degrees, so he will proportion their degrees of punishment to the measures of light and opportunity which they have received, and abused. The Heathens, who abused the lowest dispensation of God's grace, will doubtless be very severely punished. So saith St. Paul. "Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, to every soul of man that doeth evil; to the Jew first, and also the Greek," that is, the heathen who abused the light of nature. And that these will be severely punished, is evident from