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

2 Neither may we lightly pass over the word which Solomon useth, which we have translated, to be as it were at a round table, according as the custom of the ancient fathers was. For this kind of banqueting at a round table seemeth more friendly and familiar, then if the king should have his table apart, the upper end of the round table being known rather by the dignity of some one person, then by any place, by reason of the roundness: besides that there is great likelihood that Solomon by a Prophetical spirit (as all the legal service and ceremonies had) had respect unto Jesus Christ, To whom the nations of the four quarters of the world were promised, as it is foretold, Psal. 2.8. Math. 8.11. This is therefore the banquet whereof the spouse here speaketh, glorying that she was brought in thereunto, And placed by her Bridegrooms side, Psal. 45.10. What was then all that costly furniture and provision of the temple how rich & sumptuous so ever it were▪ in respect of the real and visible manifestation of this Bridegroom? In regard of the accomplishment and consummation of all that which was figured by the Levitical Priesthood? In comparison of the full declaration of the gospel which is called The power of God unto salvation unto all them which believe, be he Jew or Grecian ▪ Rom. 1.16. It is then the Christian Church, that is to say, the Church considered since the coming of Christ, which can truly say that she hath been brought in unto this goodly banquet of the bridegroom, as himself declareth it, Matth. 22. and Luke the 14.16. which place may serve in steed of a commentary for the clearer opening of this place. But we must still understand that this banquet is but a preparative ⟨p. 182⟩unto that which we look for, and which is prepared for us in heaven, of which mention is made Matth. 7.22