The Backslider: His Nature, Symptoms and Recovery

by Andrew Fuller, John Angell James (Introduction)

"ANDREW FULLER was, in my opinion, one of the greatest theologians, which modern times, or any times have produced, and his writings are an almost inexhaustible mine of doctrinal, practical, and experimental truth, which every Christian and especially every minister, would do well to explore. No man better understood the bible, or the human heart both in its un-renewed and its regenerate state. Among all his various practical treatises, there are few, if any, of greater value than that on BACKSLIDING. Like a most skilful physician, he explains, with singular ability, the nature of the disease, lays down the symptoms of it, and prescribes the method of recovery." - John Angell James "Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) was an outstanding figure with qualities that make him one of the most attractive figures in Baptist history. Many in his day could echo the words of his very close friend William Carey, 'I loved him.' The or an Inquiry into the Nature, Symptoms, and Effects of Religious Declension, with the Means of Recovery was originally published in 1801. Fuller's work, though, has stood the test of time and well merits the description by John Ryland as 'an invaluable piece of practical divinity.'" - Michael Haykin

Genres: Theology

Paperback

Published May 20, 2005

About the author

Andrew Fuller (6 February 1754 – 7 May 1815) was an English Particular Baptist minister and theologian. Known as a promoter of missionary work, he also took part in theological controversy. Fuller is best known in connection with the foundation of the Baptist Missionary Society, to which he for the most part devoted his energies.

Reviews

[Chance Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on sin in the life of a believer.

[Joshua Bremerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"On the Mortification of Sin" by Owen (which Fuller quotes at length) gets much of the publicity for books on holiness and fighting sin (and for good reason!), but I think this work by Fuller is much worth reading as well. He masterfully, and with high clarity, unpacks the nature, symptoms, and injuries of "backsliding" (i.e., falling back into habitual sin and away from the Lord Jesus). He also balances the gravity of sin with the greatness of grace in his means to recovery. I appreciated the broad principles and the practicality, and I will probably suggest this to others caught in sins that seem to cling so closely.

[Jeremy Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich, direct, and succinct exposition of the topic of backsliding in the Christian faith. Fuller writes with passion, conviction, and sound theology, basing his warning and encouragement in the certainty of biblical truth. I highly recommend this little book to all!

[Jason Mccool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but good book. Fuller addresses backsliding by addressing the root of unrepentant sin. This was a thought-provoking and convicting book for me in that it is a good warning about not letting oneself become complacent about "little sin" in one's life.

[Vincent Lemieux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it in Andrew Fuller’s Works from Banner of Truth.

Sweet and short. A really good analysis of backslidings. Fuller address it’s dangers, symptoms, effets and cures.

[Kenneth Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuller, Andrew: The Backslider: His Nature, Symptoms, and Recovery with biographical sketch by Michael Haykin and introduction by John A. James
I found this book on the subject of backsliding to be very helpful. Having seen some folks become backsliders it was an honest account of them but it is helpful also in encouraging watchfulness so that I myself do not backslide. The author writes with a balanced and I would argue biblical point of view. He holds to the sovereignty of God as taught in Calvinism namely the perseverance of the saints, but does not neglect the teachings on backsliding showing how it may show that one was never a Christians but also that a true Christians will come to repentance. Fuller says, “Backsliding, it is true, always supposes a profession of the true religion; but it does not necessarily suppose the existence of the thing professed.”

The book has a helpful biographical sketch and then is four chapters. The author looks at what a backslider is in general first. Secondly he looks at the symptoms of backsliding which is basically not repenting of sin and how we may think that we have but what unrepented sin looks like. He then shows the dangers effects and consequences of unrepented or what he calls “sin lying upon the conscience unlamented”. Finally in the last chapter He discusses the means to recovery from this state. The helpful lines in this book are too many to quote here.

I read this book under the recommendation of Dr. James Renihan and Michael Gaydosh’s compiled list of a year with Baptist classics. I’m am enjoying finding the great theology in Baptist history.

Publisher: Solid Ground Christian Books
Boards: Paperback
Binding: Glue
Year: 2005 (original publication of work 1801)
Pages: 122
Scripture index: no
Subject index: no

[Noah Calcagno · Rating 5 out of 5]

A convicting read regarding the believers battle against sin and how to truly examine your salvation, fight sin, and commune with God.

[Cameron Borders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Reading. Balm for the soul. Concise.

[Mike Neglia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Fuller has some great thoughts, and; typical of his time and context, he is exhaustively thorough as he exhorts the backslider towards repentance and a renewed faith.