A09998:351
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticlesMaster Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated between us and the adversary at this day, especially touching the true Jesus Christ and the true Church, and the certain & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by John Harmar ...Master Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated betweene vs and the aduersarie at this day, especially touching the true Iesus Christ and the true Church, and the certaine & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by Iohn Harmar ...
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1587Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1587
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
5 The spouse addeth, Behold thou art goodly and pleasant. A most true speech. For what is there in respect of this great saviour so goodly or so pleasant? Of whom the Prophet speaking (who notwithstanding saw him not but a far off, Heb. 11.13. and through the shadows of the Law) I shall saith he, be satisfied when thy glory shall appear, Psal. 17.15. But besides this, we must note that she which speaketh here, is she only, who knowing what this beauty is, albeit her self were truly fair, & heard her beauty commended by her Bridegroom, stayeth not her self notwithstanding thereon, but seems she would say, that as for her self, all her beauty is nothing unto her, but that it is her Bridegroom who is indeed goodly and worthy to be looked on, as also hereon it is that she altogether resteth her self. The poor Paynims and not our wise Solomon only, Prou. 27.2. could tell well enough how to blame & dislike of them, who gaze on their own feathers, & praise themselves. And how may we call the assembly of them, the spouse of the Lord, that is to say, the true Church, who allege their virtues and merits, though they had an hundred times more then they attribute unto themselves? This say they, thinking thus to excuse the matter, proceedeth not only from our selves, but from grace also, with the which if we were not prevented and accompanied, we could merit nothing at all. As much said the proud ⟨p. 199⟩Pharisee, Luk. 8.11. as if that grace were therefore given us to save our selves by the value of works mingled with the merit of Jesus Christ. To let pass the other error of theirs altogether inexcusable, that they reckon their most manifest and notorious superstitions for merits also. On the contrary side what is the language of the true church of the Lord? Not unto us ô lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the glory for thy truth and bounties sake, Psal. 115.1. What am I, said David that great servant of god, & what is my fathers house, that thou bringest me so far?