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I. THE FACT RECORDED.

1. The designation given them. Disciples.

2. Their number was considerable.

3. The period of their desertion — "From that time;" the delivery of the discourse.

II. THE APPEAL MADE was —

1. Touching.

2. Seasonable. When others turn their backs it is well to warn those who remain.

3. Important. Backsliding is a sin of peculiar aggravation.

III. THE ANSWER GIVEN.

1. To whom shall we go?

(1)  To the scribes and Pharisees? They are blind guides.

(2)  To heathen philosophers? Their foolish hearts are darkened.

(3)  To the law? It thunders above our guilty heads its anathema.

(4)  To the world? It has proved itself deceitful.

(5)  To the ways of sin? The end of them is death.

2. "Thou hast the words of Eternal life — we will stay with Thee, the Son of the living God for —

(1)  Pardon;

(2)  purity;

(3)  wisdom;

(4)  strength;

(5)  consolation.

(Anon.)

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KJV: From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

WEB: At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.