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

4 But let us consequently hearken unto the answer of the spouse. My well-beloved, saith she. Behold, it seemeth here is a great familiarity used towards so great a Lord of heaven and of earth. It is true. But the mouth must speak of the abundance of the heart. I believed, saith David, and therefore I have spoken, Psal. 116.10. This love therefore is mutual and reciprocal: and seeing that such speech cannot proceed but from faith, 1. Cor. 12.3. it cannot be but acceptable unto God, who taketh pleasure to be loved and honoured of his. But notwithstanding there is great difference between the love of the Bridegroom towards his spouse, and that of the spouse towards the Bridegroom. The one is of mere gratuity, having no other fountain but the infinite goodness and compassion of God, so far to love this poor and miserable creature, Joh. 3.16. & Rom. 5.8. The other is upon an infinite obligation, not only of the creature towards the creator, but which is more, of her which was so dearly ransomed from sin, death, and hell, towards her most bountiful and liberal Saviour. The one goeth before ⟨p. 198⟩& presents it self first, the other followeth. The first proceeding from himself engendereth the other in us of mere grace. For our well-doing reacheth not unto god, Psal. 16.2. to whom nothing can be added, & from whom nothing can be taken. But all the good and profit which can proceed from the love that a faithful soul beareth unto his Saviour, returneth to it self, because it pleaseth God to honour them who honour him, Gen. 22.26. 1. Sam. 2.30. Psal. 91.14. And who will not cry out with the Prophet, saying; What is man that thou vouchsafest to know him, & the sons of men that thou wilt have care of them? Psal. 8.5