A09998:148
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticlesMaster Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated between us and the adversary at this day, especially touching the true Jesus Christ and the true Church, and the certain & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by John Harmar ...Master Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated betweene vs and the aduersarie at this day, especially touching the true Iesus Christ and the true Church, and the certaine & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by Iohn Harmar ...
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1587Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1587
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 have hitherto understood the earnest and ardent desire of the spouse, thinking on no other thing, then on this real conjunction with her beloved, in which consisteth her whole felicity, and for this cause desiring him, that either he would come unto her, or else (being forced as it were to make this request by an holy impatience) desiring that she may be drawn unto him. We have examples of either of these desires in the holy Scriptures, being a thing most certain, that the ancient fathers from the beginning of the Church, wished for nothing more then the coming of their deliverer, as Jesus Christ witnesseth, Mat. 13.17. and Saint Peter in his first chapter verse 11. and David in many Psalms singing & rejoicing, as if he saw already this sovereign king before his eyes, Ps 96 97. and in others following. Whereunto belongeth that also which the Lord himself saith of Abraham, that seeing the day of the Lord he rejoiced: Joh. 8.56. But whereas the fathers saw him not but afar off in the promises and shadows of the Law: Heb. 11.13. it is no marvel if they desired some thing more (for which Simeon giveth God thanks in his song) seeing the Saints at this day, since his first coming, instead of being satisfied therewith, desire yet more fervently his return, as witnesseth that demand of ours every day in our prayer, That his kingdom come: or else wishing to be dislodged quickly from below as the Apostle crieth out, Rom. 7.24. and Phil. 1.23. which is nothing else but to be drawn unto him, ⟨p. 73⟩leaving here below, the old cast garment of this body, until it be changed & taken again in incorruption, 2. Cor. 5.5. Now the spouse having ended her former speech, by the which she was raised as it were above the clouds, by the wings of faith and hope, she entereth here now into another, as having cast her eyes both upon her company and train, and upon her self and others which beheld her. And this hath Solomon here set down not without great reason, as shall appear, by the handling of this matter. For it cannot be but such considerations will often arise in the minds and thoughts of such as are most perfect: for which cause it is more then necessary we provide before hand that we be nothing shaken by them, as many in our days are.