^{4 Ref} For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

^{5 Ref} and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,

^{6 Ref} and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame.

^{7 Ref} For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it, and brings forth a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from God;

^{8 Ref} but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned.