Orders given out; the word, stand fast.: As it was lately delivered in a farewell sermon / by Major Samuel Kem, to the officers and souldiers of his regiment in Bristoll. Novemb. 8. 1646.

Use 1. Information.

Of the unworthy walking of this age for the most part in relation to this duty of standing fast to the Truth; yea of many that are eminently furnished with common gifts and excellent parts, there is much slipperinesse and base unsetlednesse of spirit upon them, even to truth it self, both in doctrine and conversation, for truth in doctrine we may complain as the Apostle to the Galatians in the 1. and 6. I wonder you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Jesus Christ unto another Gospel; it is grown no wonder in our times; for how do the most, for most base ends, quit their ancient grounds which they received and beleeved, and gloryed in for truth; and for pre∣ferment-sake shew truth a fair pair of heels, and a foul heart. The ancient Disciples left ships, nets, custome-house, for to follow truth; but now pro∣fessed Disciples leave Christ for places of Excise and Custom-house. Some turn sneaking Anabap∣tists; some fal off to Socinian blasphemies; some to Antinomians fancies; and many Seekers. Seek you any of you great things for your selves, seek them not; It is no time to be furnishing your Cabins, when the boults and butt-ends of the very planks of the ship are started out. The Lord pity us, what a spirit of giddyness is upon us▪ and if any old errors which is unknown to most, with some quaint ex∣pressions and hye-flying Phylosophical notions are delivered, how cowardly do we start off from the old truths of Jesus Christ, and are invassail'd by upstart errors; It is a sad time, but this a more sad

omen of worser times, even the rabble of opinions in this City of Bristol; of which I may say, that as the sword hath slain many, so hath error many more in a few moneths time. One while such a man preacheth truth, and you are willing to pul out your eyes to do him good; a little after, you are ready to pul out his eyes, and he is a low man, and not worthy your presence, and so discouraged. How many wayes do you make to heaven in this place? I beseech you where I am related unto, to look to your Guards; Keep a strict watch, double your Guard, eye your sallyports; and put on the whole Armour of God, that you may be able to stand fast to the Truth in the day of assault; that you may quit your selves like men.