A Complete collection of farewell sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl…A Compleat collection of farewel sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl…

Thirdly, A third Argument is drawn from the act with the qualifications, let's hold fast without wavering; Now there are two things, to name no more, that are hugely obliging in this very act, with its qualification; first, it is a manly act to hold fast that which is good: and it is a childish act to let it go. I say it is a manly act; it argues something of a great soul, and of a great understanding, and of a manly resolution, to hold fast that which is good, but it is childish to let it go, and therefore see how the Apostle puts these together, Ephes. 4.13, 14. saith he, speaking there, That God hath given some Prophets, some Apostles, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for edifying of the work of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Now he comes in the 14 verse to add, That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereas they lay in wait to deceive: it is not for a man to be tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine; for a child to be bought out of a Pearl with a bauble, is no great matter: but for a man, what a shame is it? why, we should be men, not children, tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine: now beloved: you know the Scripture calls upon us in such Language as this, Be courageous, and quit your selves like men; be not children, that will dance after every pipe, tossed to and fro, and always unstable.

Thirdly, A third Argument is drawn from the act with the qualifications, let's hold fast without wavering; Now there are two things, to name no more, that are hugely obliging in this very act, with its qualification; first, it is a manly act to hold fast that which is good: and it is a childish act to let it go. I say it is a manly act; it argues something of a great soul, and of a great understanding, and of a manly resolution, to hold fast that which is good, but it is childish to let it go, and therefore see how the Apostle puts these together, Ephes. 4.13, 14. saith he, speaking there, That God hath given some Prophets, some Apostles, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for edifying of the work of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Now he comes in the 14 verse to add, That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereas they lay in wait to deceive: it is not for a man to be tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine; for a child to be bought out of a Pearl with a bauble, is no great matter: but for a man, what a shame is it? why, we should be men, not children, tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine: now beloved: you know the Scripture calls upon us in such Language as this, Be couragious, and quit your selves like men; be not children, that will dance after every pipe, tossed to and fro, and always unstable.