A09998:305
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.
3 But to go on, if any one allege this place for the maintenance of women's excess and dissolution in their apparel and other their superfluities: the answer thereunto is ready, that the holy Ghost speaketh far otherwise, 1. Pet. 3.4. and by Saint Paul, 1. Tim. 2.9. And if hereupon any man reply that then the Lord hath not always given one and the same rule, it is easily answered that we shall find the clean contrary, if we consider of things aright, namely that the holy Ghost is never contrary unto himself. Gold and silver are the good creatures of God, and we find by most certain examples of the holy fathers, that of a long time the use thereof hath been not only in buying and selling, but also in some sorts of ornaments and jewels. But first of all let us not think that curious workmanship and superfluities in this point were therefore rife and ⟨p. 171⟩common among the holy fathers. Secondly the histories them selves testify unto us the simplicity they used in such ornaments, whereof among others the history written in Gen. 24.22. may be a sufficient witness where it is said, that Abraham's servant gave Rebecca jewels of gold, but of very little value: and to show us how far Rebecca was (notwithstanding she were a maiden of a very great and noble house, although after the manner of those times kings were shepherds, as we say in common proverb) from being nicely and daintily brought up, it is said, that she went to fetch water at the well with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And when mention is made of the Daughters of that mighty and exceeding rich king David, it is said only that they were clad with garments of diverse colours 2. Sam. 13.18. it may be like unto the Almain Maidens in these days. And what bravery think we was there in either gold or silver in Solomons time, when men made no more reckoning thereof, because of the plenty of it, then they did of lead or of stone, 2. Chron. 9.27. Thirdly and lastly as the Lord hath lifted up kings and other lords in authority, so no doubt but he would have persons and estates made the more honourable by some such marks, as we see it in the description of the magnificence of Solomon. Which thing notwithstanding proveth not an acception of persons with God.