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

For over and besides that which hath been said of the happy end & issue of the afflictions of the Church, there is an exceeding difference, between the most miserable estate of those who are blatched before God, by his just vengeances, or which are left remaining in their natural blackness: and between the confidences and assurances of the children of god afflicted for righteousness, and for the glory of the Lord, who bestoweth this great favour and grace upon them to be glorified in them. Farther if we consider of the estate of the church in her greatest afflictions, it is not so miserable as men think it is. For as the Apostle teacheth us, God is faithful, and never suffereth such as are his to be tried above that which they are able to bear, 1. Cor. 10.13. And therefore very true it is that we are pressed in every sort, but not crazed or broken, being in want and penury we are not destitute and distressed, being persecuted we are not forsaken, being beaten down we perish not, 2. Cor. 4.8. In a word if we ought to judge of the nature of things, according to their last effect and working, this brown or tanned colour is the means to come unto our true and perfect whiteness, the sufferings of this world being in no point comparable unto the glory which waiteth ⟨p. 92⟩for us, 2. Cor. 4.17. the way unto which is the cross, or sufferings, I mean for righteousness and for Jesus christ: Matt. 5.11. This is the comfort which we ought at this day to oppose against these Daughters of the terrestrial and earthly Jerusalem, who think us so poor and miserable, not knowing what our riches are, & how yet at this day it is in Egypt that there is darkness, and light in the land of Goshen only. Let us give them leave therefore to judge of our colour black or brown, as they list; it sufficeth us that the spirit of God judgeth altogether otherwise, to whose judgement we appeal, being assured we shall get and win our cause.

For ouer and besides that which hath beene said of the happie end & issue of the afflictions of the Church, there is an exceeding difference, between the most miserable estate of those who are blatched before God, by his iust vengeances, or which are left remaining in their naturall blacknes: and betweene the confidences and assurances of the children of god afflicted for righteousnes, and for the glory of the Lorde, who bestoweth this great fauor and grace vpon them to be glorified in them. Farther if we consider of the estate of the church in her greatest afflictions, it is not so miserable as men think it is. For as the Apostle teacheth vs, God is faithful, and neuer suffereth such as are his to bee tryed aboue that which they are able to beare,