The condition of the backslider is worse than that of the unconverted person; "for if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first." Yet there is mercy even for these. The merciful Father says: "Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith the Lord, I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed My voice, saith the Lord. Return, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am a husband unto you; and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give you shepherds according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jer. 3: 12-15.