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

Truly obscured, nay put out for a little time and defaced, Heb. 2.9. so far as that this Bridegroom became to be more vile then a worm of the earth, Psal. 22.6. But seeing obedience is always more fair and pleasant unto God then sacrifice, 1. Sam. 15.22. and there was never obedience like unto that of the cross, Phil. 2.8. it followeth that this Rose was even then before God in his perfectest gloss and beauty, albeit it was so died with blood, not which staineth and blotteth, but which doth away the stains and blots of the world. Which thing may seem to have been figured and represented (clean contrary to the meaning of Pilate and Herod) both by the purple robe wherewith Pilate clad him being altogether bloody, Joh. 19.5. which is correspondent & answering to this scarlet Rose: as by the white robe which Herod put upon him to mock him withal, Luk. 23.7. which is and may be referred unto the similitude of the Lilly. Nay which more is, at this day, yea and before the act of this real and indeed bloody oblation, and in the act it self, and since unto the end and consummation of the world, yea unto all eternity, if this Rose had not appeared before God the father, and did not still appear, and should hereafter, to be seen and smelt of him; there had never been, ⟨p. 210⟩nor should not now have been, or at any time hereafter any spouse of this Bridegroom, that is to say, neither Church nor eternal and everlasting happiness and felicity. For in whom is it (that is to say, in respect of whom is it) the father hath chosen his Church from everlasting? In Jesus Christ who was to be that which he was made, and to do that which he hath done for his elect in his determinated and appointed time, Ephes. 2.4. and Gal. 4.4