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1. It is a fearful thing that a believer should backslide.

(1)  Such mercy has been shown to him.

(2)  Such love has been enjoyed by him.

(3)  Such prospects lie before him.

(4)  Such comfort is sacrificed by his backsliding.

2. It is a wretched business for the man himself, since by it nothing is gained, and everything is endangered.

3. It is injurious to the whole church to which the backslider belongs.

4. It is mischievous to the outside world.

5. What is the immediate duty of the backslider? the immediate remedy for his backsliding? — "Return."

I. WONDER AWAKENED BY THE CALL.

1. The usual jealousy of love.

2. The abundance of the sin (ver. 2).

3. The obstinate continuance in evil, notwithstanding chastisements (ver. 3).

4. The refusal of tender persuasion (ver. 4).

5. The perversion of mercy (ver. 5).

6. The warnings which had been despised (vers. 6-11). It is a great increase of iniquity when we perceive the suffering which it causes others, and yet persevere m it ourselves.

II. MEMORIES AROUSED BY THE CALL.

1. Does it not remind you of other days?

(1)  When you first came to Jesus.

(2)  When you were happy with other believers.

(3)  When you could teach and warn others.

(4)  When you began to go aside, a little.

(5)  When you have sinned grievously through this backsliding.

2. Indulge these memories till they affect your heart.

III. REASONS URGED FOR OBEYING THE CALL.

1. It is God Himself who utters it.

2. Anger will be removed (ver. 12).

3. Love continues (ver. 14).

4. Healing will be given (ver. 22).

IV. DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO MAKE OBEDIENCE TO THE CALL EASY.

1. "Only acknowledge thine iniquity" (ver. 13). What a simple matter!

2. Lament the evil (ver. 21).

3. Own the sad result (ver. 25).

4. Trust in God for restoration (ver. 23).

5. Heartily renew allegiance (ver. 22).

V. PROMISES MADE TO THOSE ANSWERING TO THE CALL.

1. Special guidance (ver. 14).

2. Suitable food (ver. 15).

3. Spiritual insight (vers. 16, 17).

4. Childlike spirit (ver. 19).

( C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.

WEB: Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, 'Return, you backsliding Israel,' says Yahweh; 'I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful,' says Yahweh. 'I will not keep [anger] forever.