A09998:261
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.
And farther they who have any charge and vocation of God, especially an ecclesiastical charge in any place, ought to take heed how they take into their minds such an impression of dangers, as therefore to leave their charge, which ought to be more precious unto them then their own life, according unto the practise of all the faithful servants of God, examples whereof we have in Joseph, & in Daniel. Now they are said to quit their charge who depart for the fear of men, or for their own particular respect; not considering that an assured vocation is the voice ⟨p. 147⟩of god, which who so willingly obeyeth not, either to tarry, or to depart, is worthy to be discharged, or rather punished by his Captain. Abraham having received a commandment of the Lord, left forthwith his Country and his fathers house. Briefly a lawful calling, and such a one as we are necessarily tied unto, is the voice of the Lord, whether it be to cause us to stay where we are, or to depart. We read not that Moses had any commandment by vision from God, as had Abraham, to depart out of Pharaohs court, Heb. 11.24. but besides that he had no estate or calling which tied him to stay, but contrariwise was brought up after the Egyptian fashion: his intent & purpose approved by that which followed, showeth that he was guided and conducted by a singular motion and instinct of the holy ghost, as S. Stephen likewise declareth the same. Act. 7.22. As we need not also to doubt, but that Daniel, if he were not surprised by death in his old age, held himself in Persia by reason of his public vocation, in which he did god and his whole nation faithful service: as Esdras also and Nehemiah stayed there a while after the edict, through the singular providence of God, who would have them left for a rear ward unto the people who drew themselves back by little and little, as on the contrary side those who tarried and shrouded themselves in filthiness and uncleanness of that profane people are by no means to be excused. In sum who so rightly and sincerely seeketh after the glory of God and the quiet of his conscience, shall soon know how to make in such a case an holy and a good resolution. Neither is this to tie the grace of God unto any one Province, or the walls of any one City, whereas God must be served in every place with lifting up of pure hands: