V. 39.— But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. This sufficiently shows that the supplement, any man, in the former verse, is unnecessary. "The just shall live by faith: but if,” says the Apostle, “ he draw back, my soul shall have pleasure no in him. But we are not of those that draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe,” &c. He was “ confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:6. Faith is the gift of God, and the gifts and calling of God are without repentance: He does not forsake the work of His hands. 1 Samuel 12:22. The Apostle’ s words, however, do not imply that none of those whom he addresses should draw back, but he expresses his confidence in them as formerly, Hebrews 6. He speaks of all believers, “ They are not of those who draw back unto perdition: but of them that believe to the saving of the soul; literally, “ But of faith to the salvation of the soul.” There are, no doubt, apostates who promised fair; but man only looks on the outward appearance, God searcheth the heart; and when the heart is right with God and we, under a habitual sense of weakness have fled to Christ, and are living by faith in Jesus, our path shall be as the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.