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

6 Finally the spouse saith: Our bed is green, the beams of our houses are of Cedar, & our galleries of Cypers. As touching the bed, this may be meant not of a couch to sleep on, but of the manner they used of old in taking their repast, not sitting but half lying on cushions, as the proper signification of the word importeth which the spouse above used, Vers. 12. This may be also very well referred unto that which is said of the greens, namely, as if it were made of green grass. Notwithstanding there is nothing letteth why it may not be taken also for a couch or ⟨p. 200⟩bed, whereon men repose & rest themselves. Now in what sort soever it be taken, the spouse doth rightly say that this bed is green, to show how pleasant that peace is which the world cannot give, Joh. 14.27. neither yet take away, Joh. 16.22. which repose is not found but in Jesus Christ alone, Mat. 11.29. seeing there is no condemnation in them which are in him, Rom. 8.1. And this is the reason wherefore this spouse, yea every of the faithful is compared unto a goodly tree always green and bearing fruit, Psal. 1.3. & 92.15. And Saint Peter saith that our crown is incorruptible. That which is added, of beams of Cedar, & galleries of Cpyers or other such wood, having respect unto the buildings and palaces of kings covered flat with battlements and galleries on the top, tendeth unto the same end, namely, to show us by the similitude of these two sorts of odoriferous & not putrifiyng trees, that the joining and coupling of this Bridegroom with this spouse withdraweth us from the stench and corruption of the world, making of our souls & bodies so many Temples, distinctly considered, dedicated unto God, 2. Cor. 6.16. and Joh. 14.23