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I. THE CAUSES OF BACKSLIDING.

1. The fear of man.

2. Inter course with worldly society.

3. Presumption.

4. Secret sin.

5. Neglect of prayer.

II. THE SYMPTOMS OF BACKSLIDING.

1. The absence of pleasure in attending to the secret exercises of religion.

2. Irregular and unprofitable attendance on public ordinances.

3. Unwillingness to act or suffer for the honour of Christ.

4. Uncharitable feelings toward fellow Christians.

5. Indulgence in sins once abandoned.

III. THE FORMS OF BACKSLIDING.

1. Declension into error.

2. Declension into unbelief.

3. Declension into lukewarmness, or want of love.

4. Declension into prayerlessness.

5. Declension into immorality.

6. Declension into open rejection of a Christian profession.

IV. THE EVILS OF BACKSLIDING.

V. THE CURE OF BACKSLIDING.

1. Let the backslider remember from whence he has fallen.

2. Let the backslider reflect on his guilt and danger.

3. Let the backslider return to God, from whom he has wandered.

4. Let the backslider live near to Christ.

5. Let the backslider forsake the sin into which he has fallen.

6. Let the back. slider learn to depend on the promised aid of the Holy Spirit.

(G. Brooks.)

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KJV: Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?

WEB: Moreover you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Shall men fall, and not rise up again? Shall one turn away, and not return?