Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticlesMaster Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles

9 For example and proof hereof let us compare the time of the captivity of Egypt, of the greatest part under the Judges, under Saul, under the ten tribes after their revolt, under a great part of the kings of Judah, under the captivity of Babylon ⟨p. 79⟩(under which there was no apparent form of state, either temporal or ecclesiastical) the time of the miseries and horrible disorders and confusions which happened under the empire of the Greeks, and under the Romans, until the total destruction of the Temple, and of the nation of the Jews, let us, I say but compare these times with the outward estate of the Church under Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon, so long as he continued wise, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, Nehemiah, and other like kings, and governors, when there were any such, and we shall need no farther proof of this which I have said. And therefore they are themselves deceived, and do deceive others, which judge of the church according unto this outward and visible mark, as if it were essential and perpetual, being most commonly spoiled thereof, and yet not leaving therefore to be known by them, who have had good eyes to mark her native, and essential inseparable beauty.

9 For example and proofe hereof let vs compare the time of the captiuity of Egypt, of the greatest part vnder the Iudges, vnder Saul, vnder the ten tribes after their reuolt, vnder a great part of the kings of Iuda, vnder the captiuity of Babylon ⟨p. 79⟩(vnder which there was no apparant form of state, either temporal or ecclesiasticall) the time of the miseries and horrible disorders and confusions which happened vnder the empire of the Greekes, and vnder the Romans, vntill the totall destruction of the Temple, and of the nation of the Iewes, let vs, I say but cōpare these times with the outward estate of the Church vnder Moses, Aaron, Iosua, Dauid, Salomon, so long as he continued wise, Asa, Iosaphat, Ezechias, Iosias, Nehemias, and other like kings, and gouerners, when there were any such, and we shal neede no farther proofe of this which I haue said. And therefore they are themselues deceiued, and doe deceiue others, which iudge of the church according vnto this outward and visible marke, as if it were essential and perpetual, beeing most commonly spoiled thereof, and yet not leauing therefore to be knowen by them, who haue had good eies to marke her natiue, and essential inseparable beutie.