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

2 The Bridegroom therefore having called this spouse, his love, or well-beloved, testifieth unto her twice together, that she is fair, that she is fair. Let us therefore first consider the excellency of him who speaketh in this place. It is the everlasting son of God who is not deceived, to take that for fair which is foul, being abused with the form and fashion of this world, 1. Cor. 7 31. and who speaketh feignedly or dissemblingly, Mat. 22.16. Therefore we cannot any way doubt but that the church is truly and indeed fair (seeing he affirmeth the same twice) and therefore liking & pleasing unto God: which we gather, because that not only himself being beauty and bounty it self, loveth also that which hath any trace and mark thereof, as it is said in the story of the creation of the world, and Proverb. 8.30. but also because he expressly giveth unto this spouse the name of love, or well-beloved. But how can this be? For, he is light, and we are darkness, 2. Cor. 6.14. let us take heed of this tentation. We are indeed darkness by nature, and therefore ⟨p. 195⟩children of wrath, Ephes. 2.3. but ye were so, faith the Apostle, but now ye are washed, 1. Cor. 6.11. But let us understand this soundly and soberly, that we please not or flatter our selves, as also that we despair not. Seeing therefore the Bridegroom is the fairest among men, perfumed above his companions, Psal. 45.7. crowned with honour and glory, Heb. 9. having a name above every name, Phil. 2.19. yea being the well-beloved Son in whom the father hath been well pleased, Matth. 3.17. (for although in the time of Solomon, this was not accomplished in this Bridegroom according unto the flesh, yet was it accounted to be accomplished in respect of the virtue and efficacy of this mystery,