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

7 But this being more subtle than sure, we must understand this after an other sort to make our profit thereby. Let us therefore learn hence, that it is not enough to be called to this banquet, but we must enter in and sit down, otherwise this inviting serveth not but to our condemnation: as alas at this day more than ever, we see men so bewitched with the cares & vanities of this world, that there are very few which will think on this banquet, though they be bidden and invited every day. As neither shall it be for them, but it shall fare with them as it is spoken, Mat. ⟨p. 184⟩22.7, 8. Again it sufficeth not to enter in and sit down, but our perfume also must give his smell.

7 But this being more subtil thē sure, we must vnderstand this after an other sort to make our profit thereby. Let vs therfore learn hence, that it is not ynough to be called to this banquet, but we must enter in and sit down, otherwise this inuiting serueth not but to our condemnation: as alas at this day more thē euer, we see mē so bewitched with the cares & vanities of this world, that there are very few which wil think on this bāquet, though they be bidden and inuited euery day. As neither shal it be for them, but it shal fare with them as it is spoken, Mat. ⟨p. 184⟩22.7, 8. Again it sufficeth not to enter in and sit downe, but our perfume also must giue his smel.

8 Yea but will some man say, we should rather eat and drink to be satisfied; & here is no mention of meat or drink. Let us therefore note that in this banquet there is no speech of refreshing and filling the belly which requireth meat and drink, but the question is here of spiritual life: and therefore mention is of the odour and smell of the spike-nard of the spouse, of Myrrh and clusters of Copher, namely because there is no sensible or material thing more fit or proper to signify unto us a spiritual thing, then the smell of sweet things, which is received into the brain after so subtle a manner as nothing more. And this exposition is neither far set or less certain: for this is the very stile of the Scripture as we will anon declare. But by this reckoning the spouse should seem rather to have given the Bridegroom somewhat then to have received ought of him, objecting her smell of spike-nard. The answer is that it is clean contrary: for the spouse having declared at the beginning that she desired to be kissed and not vaunting of kissing of him, and demanding to be drawn of him to come unto him, with her companions, and to enjoy the odour of his perfumes, showeth sufficiently that she confesseth she bringeth nothing to her Bridegroom which smelleth sweet unto him, but that which she hath received of him to present him withal. And yet it is not to be said, that in the ancient sacrifices we spake of before, there was neither bread, nor wine, nor flesh offered, or that men did not really and corporally eat or drink, as yet at this day we are really washed and sprinkled with water in Baptism, in the supper we do truly eat bread and drink wine which are there made sacraments, that is dedicated and Consecrated unto an holy and sacred use. But we must understand that in the ancient sacrifices, that which appeased Gods wrath was not the flesh and the blood of goats and bulls which men burnt.