Of the advancement and proficience of learning; or, The partitions of sciences· Nine books. Written in Latin by the most eminent, illustrious, and famous Lord Francis Bacon Baron of Verulam, Vicount St. Alban, Councellor of Estate, and Lord Chancellor of England. Interpreted by Gilbert Watts.

THE PARABLE. VI. He that instructs a scorner,* 1.1 procures to him∣selfe a reproach; and he that reprehends a wicked man, procures to himselfe a staine.

THE EXPLICATION.

* 1.2THis Parable agrees with our Saviours precept, That we cast not our Pearles before swine. In this Parable the Acti∣ons of Instruction, & of Reprehension are distinguisht; as also the Actions of a scorner, and of a wicked person. Lastly that which is retaliated, is differenced. For in the former part, lost labour is return'd; in the latter, a staine and dishonour is repaid. For when a man teacheth and instructeth a scorner, first the time thus imployed is cast away; and then others al∣so deride his paines, as a fruitlesse designe, and a labour ill placed; Last of all, the scorner himselfe despiseth the know∣ledge which he hath learned. But the matter is transacted with greater danger in the reprehension of the wicked; because a wicked nature, not only gives no eare to advise, but turnes head against his Reprehender, now made odious unto him; whom he either wounds presently with contumelies; or traduces afterwards to others.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Prov. IX.
• * 1.2

  Mat. 7.