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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.
This Queen therefore having boasted her self, that if she were drawn by the king her beloved, she would come running unto him with a goodly and triumphant company, and hereupon beginning to consider what this troupe and train of hers could be in comparison of them, whom she calleth here, Daughters of Jerusalem, and of those of whom she afterwards complaineth, she becometh at the first as it were ashamed. But afterwards considering the quality and not the quantity thereof, she pronounceth cheerfully these words, The upright love thee, as if she should have said, we are indeed a small company, but fair and good: for I bring thee nothing which is not entire and upright, and which beareth thee not a true and sincere affection. And a little and good is better then a great deal and naught.
This Queene therefore hauing bosted her selfe, that if shee were drawen by the king her beloued, shee would come running vnto him with a goodlie and triumphant companie, and hereupon beginning to consider what this troupe and traine of hers could be in comparison of them, whom shee calleth here, Daughters of Ierusalem, and of those of whom shee afterwards complaineth, she becommeth at the first as it were ashamed. But afterwards considering the quality and not the quantity thereof, shee pronounceth cheerefully these wordes, The vpright loue thee, as if she should haue said, wee are indeede a small companie, but fayre and good: for I bring thee nothing which is not entire and vpright, and which beareth thee not a true and sincere affection. And a little and good is better then a great deale and naught.
2 This is the comfort & consolation which hath been, & yet is most necessary unto the church, according to these words of the Lord: Luk. 12.32. Fear not little flock, for it is your fathers pleasure to bestow on you a kingdom. There are then no greater deceivers, to term them in most courteous manner, then they, who to discern the true church (to the which we must of necessity join our selves if we will be saved) from the false (from which we must of necessity separate our selves if we will not perish) stand wholly upon a multitude. For first of all, every one is constrained to confess, that even in the affairs & dealings of