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

6 Such then is the verity of god, neither is there any other foundation of our hope. But better yet to understand this matter being so necessary, we must mark 2. certain points which seem to contrary it, to the end that this being finally cleared & made ⟨p. 120⟩plain, we may the better know and understand what these companions are of whom the Church here complaineth, and who are the true destroyers of it. First of all therefore unto all this above said may be opposed that which is written touching this very matter, and by the self same allegory, Psalm 45.7. where it is said that this king is perfumed above all his fellow companions named by the self same name, which Solomon in this place useth, as also in this very book, Chap. 8.13. Touching the first of these two places, it is not in the worser part or sense, as in this place which we now handle, it is, but in very good part, that mention is made of fellows and companions of Jesus Christ, being very clearly and plainly declared unto us, in what sense Jesus Christ hath fellows and companions, Heb. 2.11.14. to wit, in this respect, that having taken upon him our nature (howbeit without sin) he hath made us his brethren. But notwithstanding, saith the Psalmist, perfumed above his fellows, and not like to like. He calleth us his brethren, but he is the elder, Rom. 8.29. and so consequently lord of the house, Gen. 27.39. he is the only natural son of God, inasmuch as the humanity subsisteth in the person of the only son coeternal with God, and we are sons in him by adoption, Joh. 1.12. he is only in his degree the heir and universal Lord of all these things: Heb. 1.2. and notwithstanding by grace he will make us coheirs in this glory with himself, without clipping or rebating any thing thereof in himself, Joh. 17.22. and