Homilist Jeremiah 8:4-7 Moreover you shall say to them, Thus said the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?… I. A GREAT EVIL. "Backsliding." 1. It is an evil in its nature; it is a great sin against God, involving the basest ingratitude, the abuse of the greatest mercies, and the violation of the most solemn vows. 2. It is an evil in its influence. (1) Upon self. It arrests the progress of the soul, darkens its prospects, curtails its liberty, and destroys its usefulness. (2) Upon others. It encourages the religious sceptic, it staggers the anxious inquirer, it embarrasses the friends of truth. II. AN URGENT QUESTION. "Why?" 1. Not by the force of circumstances over which they have no control. No power in the universe drives them back against their will. 2. Not by the withdrawal of heaven's helping agency. 3. The causes are in themselves. Neglect of the means of spiritual improvement, the study of the Scriptures, and the ministry of the Word; the cherishing of some secret sin; engrossment in worldly pursuits; fellowship with sceptical and ungodly men. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return? |
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