The works of George Swinnock, M.A

2. Reprove seriously; Reproof is an edged tool, and must not be jested wi•h; Cold Reproofs are like the noise of Cannons a great way off, nothing affrighting us. He that reproves sin merrily, as one ⟨p. 192⟩that takes a pride to show his wit, and make the company laugh, will destroy the sinner instead of the sin. There are those that spit out their friends with their tongues, and laugh them into enemies; Sharpness and acuteness doth ill in sportful festivals, but it becomes purging potions: Lightness is commendable is nothing, but worst in things that are weighty; A vain jesting admonition is like rubbing a person with a poisoned Oil, which spreads the more for being put into such a fleeting suppleness. The Areopagites banished Stilpo, for proving by his Sophistry that Minerva was no Goddess, alleging this for their reason, that it was not safe for any to dally with things that were Divine. Reproof is strong Physic, and worketh many times to purpose, and therefore is not to be given in jest; Sin, which is the object of it, is not to be played with; nor Hell its consequent, a jesting matter. Titus 1. 13. The Apostle enjoins Titus to reprove sharply; the word is [Greek or Hebrew] cuttingly, [Greek or Hebrew] that they may be sound in the faith; He that mindeth his Patients health, will not toy or trifle, or play with his mortal diseases; the flesh must feel the plaster, or it will never eat up the corruption in it. Shouldst thou apply an healing plaster to skin the wound aloft, when there is need of a corrosive to take away the dead flesh, thou wouldst be false and unfaithful to thy friend. When the water was bitter, ¹and the ground barren, Elisha cast a cruse of Salt into it, and it healed both. ⟨p. 193⟩Reproof like Salt, must have in it both sharpness and savouriness; Alas, how fierce is that wrath, how hot is that fire to which poor sinners are liable? and wilt thou sport with their souls, and join with them in making a mock of sin? Saints must be zealous, not only in good works, but also in reproving evil workers. The Command is, Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a Trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin,