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

5 In this place therefore according unto this customable manner of doing, the Bridegroom which is Jesus Christ, proposeth unto our understanding his beauty & excellency, comparing himself unto two flowers the Rose and the Lilly, yea to a Rose of the fairest which were in all the country, being most likely that such were they of the champion of Sa•on, whereof mention is made, Isaiah. 33.9 & 1. Chron. 27.29. and Act. 9.35. as if we being in France should say, a Rose of Province. Neither is it without cause that this comparison was chosen in this place by the holy Ghost. For if we consider well and narrowly of all sorts of flowers, we shall find that among all the creatures we see here below with our eyes, there is none more admirable, or which seemeth rather sent from heaven, then to come out of the earth, then a flower, how small so ever he be, whether we regard the pure and subtle matter it is composed of, or whether we consider the workmanship more then admirable which appeareth in them: or whether we respect the colours wherewith they are checked and diapered: or whether we stand on ⟨p. 208⟩the sweet savour and smell which proceedeth from them, or finally whether we look unto the fruits and seeds which spring from them according unto their infinite diverse kinds. So that there needeth but the least flower that is to convict all the Atheists & mockers of the world of the infinite power & wisdom of God. And therefore it is not without cause that the Lord Luk. 12.27. saith, that all the glory & glittering of Solomon is not comparable to one blewed Lillie of the field. True it is that flowers are of little continuance, for the which cause the Scripture doth often times represent and compare our poor and frail condition unto a flower, which is soon faded and withered, as, Isaiah. 40.7. and Job. 14.2. and