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

Now then this opinion of the heretics called Pelagians, denying original corruption in man since the fall of Adam being most eagerly condemned, Satan hath not left for all that or quitted his assault, but is only turned a toe-side, giving us to understand that indeed our natural light is darkened, and our will inclined to falsehood and wickedness, and that therefore our soul hath need of grace, first to aide our weakness, & correct our defect, & consequently which may make a supply to our good works, that they be not too nearly examined & ⟨p. 189⟩sifted, the Lord contenting himself, and taking in payment of recompense and satisfaction, that which we present him of our endeavours, according as his grace hath prevented and accompanied us. Behold a goodly fair cloak of cozenage. For if this be true, what shall become of Jesus Christ, he shall give us only the mean to become saviours of our selves, if not in whole, yet in part, his bloodshed mingled with our works shall make them available unto salvation, being himself alone no more sufficient, then our works by themselves without him. And which worse is, this point being once won and gained by satan; then began he to show his horns openly. For thereupon men began to forge meritorious works at their pleasure, then they began to yield so much to the merits of them whom they pleased to thrust and crowd into paradise, and afterward into their Litany, that yet to this day the shop is full fraught with it for any man that hath a penny and will buy any merits. Finally to leave nothing to Jesus christ but a phantasm & shadow of merit & satisfaction, purgatory was devised & set up to warrant & quit the dead from their sins, by certain merits & deserts of the living. And what can be more stinking & infectious than this? And yet behold the incense & meritorious odour of very smoke wherewith so many at this day do feed & please them selves. Hereunto let us oppose this pure, native, & sincere truth. Not unto us ô Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be the honour and glory, Psal. 115.1. Enter not into an account with thy servants, for before thee no man living shall be found righteous, Psal. 143.2. If Abraham were justified by his works, he hath whereof to boast, but not before God, Rom. 4.2