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

2 Now for the first we may not think it strange that the Bridegroom commendeth himself, contrary unto the lesson which Solomon himself hath given and set down, Prou. 72.2. As indeed we see how the Apostle being constrained to speak more magnificently of himself to establish his authority Apostolical, is fain to use a preface in that behalf, & complaineth that he is forced to do, as foolish men are wont to do, who preach their own praises. But it is another thing in God then in men. For men are naturally ambitious and can hardly praise & commend themselves, but they are straightway tickled with some opinion of themselves, attributing the whole or at least some part of the whole unto themselves, as if it waxed in their own garden, whereas they have nothing but of free ⟨p. 205⟩gift, 1. Cor. 4.7. besides that they know not how to keep therein either rule or measure. And this is the cause why such as are wise are so far from praising and commending of themselves, that they cannot hear themselves praised in their own presence, but they must blush: and if it be so that they must needs speak of those graces which rhey have received of God, they do it always in such sort that they ever attribute the whole unto the giver, as Saint Paul is wont to do in most express terms, 1. Cor. 15.10. keeping therein a good measure, 1. Cor. 4.4. As likewise if they must commend another they fail not to add, that the praise thereof pertaineth unto God, a witness whereof may be the ordinary beginning the same Apostle useth in his Epistles, Rom. 1.8. 1. Cor. 1.4. Eph. 1.3. Phil. 1.3. Col. 1.3.