A Body of Practical Divinity

2. That speak Jestingly. Such are they who sport and play with Scripture; 'tis playing with Fire. Some cannot be merry unless they make bold with God; they make the Scripture an Harp to drive away the Spirit of Sadness. Eusebius relates of one who took a piece of Scripture to jest with, God struck him with Frenzy. To play with Scripture, shows a very profane Heart. Some will rather lose their Souls than lose their Jest: These are guilty of taking God's Name ⟨p. 297⟩in vain. Tremble at it: Such as mock at Scripture, God will mock at their Calamity, Prov. 1.26

2. That speak Jestingly. Such are they who sport and play with Scripture; 'tis playing with Fire. Some cannot be merry unless they make bold with God; they make the Scripture an Harp to drive away the Spirit of Sadness. Eusebius relates of one who took a piece of Scripture to jest with, God struck him with Phrensie. To play with Scripture, shews a very prophane Heart. Some will rather lose their Souls than lose their Jest: These are guilty of taking God's Name ⟨p. 297⟩in vain. Tremble at it: Such as mock at Scripture, God will mock at their Calamity, Prov. 1.26

3. They abuse Gods Word, and take his Name in vain, that bring Scripture to countenance any Sin. The Word which was written for the suppressing of Sin, some bring it for the defending of Sin. For instance, First, If we tell a Covetous Man of his Sin, that Covetousness is Idolatry, he will bring Scripture to maintain his Sin: Hath not God bid me live in a Calling? Six Days shalt thou Labour. Hath not God said, that He who provides not for his Family, is worse than an Infidel? Thus he goes to support his Covetousness with Scripture. Resp. It is true, God hath bid thee take pains in a Calling, but not hurt thy Neighbour; he hath bid thee provide for thy Family, but not by oppression,