A44433:22
Discourses, or, Sermons on several Scriptures by ... Ezekiel late Lord Bishop of London-Derry.
London: printed for Nathanael Ranew, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
WE are not generally to expect any connection, either of Sense or Sentences in this Book of the Proverbs. Other parts of Scripture are like a rich Mine, where the precious Ore runs along in one continued Vein: But this is like a Heap of ⟨p. 2⟩Pearls; which, though they are loose and unstrung, are not therefore the less excellent or valuable.
WE are not generally to expect any connexion, either of Sense or Sentences in this Book of the Proverbs. Other parts of Scripture are like a rich Mine, where the precious Ore runs along in one continued Vein: But this is like a Heap of ⟨p. 2⟩Pearls; which, though they are loose and unstrung, are not therefore the less excellent or valuable.
The Text I have now read, is one of them, an entire Proposition in it self, without relation to, or dependence upon any Context.
The Text I have now read, is one of them, an entire Proposition in it self, without relation to, or dependance upon any Context.
First, The Character or Periphrasis of wicked and ungodly Men; and they are said to be such as make a Mock at Sin.
Secondly, Here is the Censure past upon them by the All-wise God, and the wisest of Men; they are Fools for so doing; Fools make a Mock at Sin.
The Words are plain and obvious; only the Phrase of making a Mock, may seem subject to some ambiguity, and various ⟨p. 3⟩acceptations; and indeed the Scripture useth it in divers Senses. Sometimes it signifies an abusing of others, by violent and lewd Actions: So we read that the Hebrew Servant, 1says Potiphar's Wife, came in unto me to mock me. Sometimes it signifies an exposing of Men to Shame and Dishonour: So the wise Man tells us, Wine is a mocker. 2Sometimes it signifies an imposing upon the Credulity of others things that seem incredible and impossible: So we read in Genesis, when Lot had declared to his Sons in Law the Destruction of Sodom, it is said, 3He seemed unto them as one that mocked. Sometimes it is taken for a failing in our Promises, and thereby defeating, and frustrating the Expectations of others: And thus Herod is said to be mocked by the wise Men, 4in ⟨p. 4⟩Matth. 2.16. But none of these are at all congruous to our present purpose, nor applicable to the Words of the Text.
The Words are plain and obvious; only the Phrase of making a Mock, may seem subject to some ambiguity, and various ⟨p. 3⟩acceptations; and indeed the Scripture useth it in divers Senses. Sometimes it signifies an abusing of others, by violent and leud Actions: So we read that the Hebrew Servant, 1says Potipher's Wife, came in unto me to mock me. Sometimes it signifies an exposing of Men to Shame and Dishonour: So the wise Man tells us, Wine is a mocker. 2Sometimes it signifies an imposing upon the Credulity of others things that seem incredible and impossible: So we read in Genesis, when Lot had declared to his Sons in Law the Destruction of Sodom, it is said, 3He seemed unto them as one that mocked. Sometimes it is taken for a failing in our Promises, and thereby defeating, and frustrating the Expectations of others: And thus Herod is said to be mocked by the wise Men, 4in ⟨p. 4⟩Matth. 2.16. But none of these are at all congruous to our present purpose, nor applicable to the Words of the Text.
There are therefore two other acceptations of this Expression, 1frequently occurring in the Holy Scriptures.
First, This Word Mock is commonly taken for scoffing, or bitter taunting at others. Thus our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ suffered the Flouts and Derisions of an insolent Rabble, who set him at nought, and mocked him, 1as St. Luke speaks: Thus those blessed Martyrs and Confessors, that followed his steps, are said to have endured the trial of cruel Mockings, 2as the Apostle tells us. And indeed this is the difference between a wise Reprover, and a bitter Mocker; that the Words of the one are like ⟨p. 5⟩Balm, both soft and sanative; but the Words of the other are like sharp Swords, which cut deep into the Minds of Men, and commonly make them rankle into Hatred and Malice. And doubtless there are very many Spirits can sooner put up an injury done them, than a cutting bitter scoff; because nothing expresseth so much Contempt, nor shows how despicable we account them, as a fleering Gibe.
First, This Word Mock is commonly taken for scoffing, or bitter taunting at others. Thus our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ suffered the Flouts and Derisions of an insolent Rabble, who set him at nought, and mocked him, 1as St. Luke speaks: Thus those blessed Martyrs and Confessors, that followed his steps, are said to have indured the trial of cruel Mockings, 2as the Apostle tells us. And indeed this is the difference between a wise Reprover, and a bitter Mocker; that the Words of the one are like ⟨p. 5⟩Balm, both soft and sanative; but the Words of the other are like sharp Swords, which cut deep into the Minds of Men, and commonly make them rankle into Hatred and Malice. And doubtless there are very many Spirits can sooner put up an injury done them, than a cutting bitter scoff; because nothing expresseth so much Contempt, nor shews how despicable we account them, as a fleering Gibe.
Secondly, Mocking may be taken for slighting, and making no account of, looking upon things or Persons, as trivial and inconsiderable. And thus it is used in Job, where the Horse is said to mock at fear, 1when he rusheth into the Battle, and is not terrified; but rather enraged by all the Horrors of War, When the Quiver rattleth against him, the ⟨p. 6⟩glittering Spear and the Shield. And so it is said of the Leviathan, Job 41.29. 2He laugheth at the shaking of the Spear, for he esteemeth Iron as Straw, and Brass as rotten Wood.
Secondly, Mocking may be taken for slighting, and making no account of, looking upon things or Persons, as trivial and inconsiderable. And thus it is used in Job, where the Horse is said to mock at fear, 1when he rusheth into the Battel, and is not terrified; but rather enraged by all the Horrors of War, When the Quiver rattleth against him, the ⟨p. 6⟩glittering Spear and the Shield. And so it is said of the Leviathan, Job 41.29. 2He laugheth at the shaking of the Spear, for he esteemeth Iron as Straw, and Brass as rotten Wood.
Now in either of these two Senses may the Words of the Text be taken; when they tell us, they are Fools that make a Mock at Sin.
