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

Which serveth not only to the reproof and condemnation of those whom we have already spoken of, but also of a sort of curious companions who come near the tree, only to gaze on it and to look on them who sit under it; as also of those, who albeit they depart not from under the shade of this tree, but pretend to stay under it, notwithstanding are always gadding so after this and that, that they feel not the one half of this comfortable refreshing of this shade. Which thing is represented unto us in the person of Martha, preferring the desire she had of providing of corruptible food for her guest, the true & incorruptible life, so far as to take it il that her sister Mary all that time sate still at Jesus feet hearkening unto his word. But what did the Lord answer her? Martha, Martha, thou art careful and encumberest thy self after many things, but one thing is necessary, Mary hath chosen the better part, which shall never be taken from her. And would to God all of us had well & throughly learned this lesson. Which if we had, we should see no longer others walking up and down and telling of news, others sitting at their tables a making of good cheer, others in their shops merchandising and trafficking, others out of town to get in their debts, or rather their revenues, while the Lord inviteth us to be at his feet and under the cool shade of that incomparable ⟨p. 221⟩sweet refreshing of his. We have a long time warned every one hereof, and we cry out for it in vain, but wisdom cannot be justified but by her children.

Which serueth not onely to the reproofe and condemnation of those whom we haue already spoken of, but also of a sort of curious companions who come neare the tree, onely to gaze on it and to looke on them who sitte vnder it; as also of those, who albeit they depart not from vnder the shade of this tree, but pretend to stay vnder it, notwithstanding are alwaies gadding so after this and that, that they feele not the one halfe of this comfortable refreshing of this shade. Which thing is represented vnto vs in the person of Martha, preferring the desire she had of prouiding of corruptible foode for her guest, the true & incorruptible life, so far as to take it il that her sister Mary al that time sate stil at Iesus feet hearkening vnto his word. But what did the Lord answere her? Martha, Martha, thou art carefull and encombrest thy selfe after many things, but one thing is necessary, Mary hath chosen the better part, which shall neuer be taken from her. And would to God all of vs had well & throughly learned this lesson. Which if we had, we should see no longer others walking vp and downe and telling of newes, others sitting at their tables a making of good cheere, others in their shoppes marchandising and traffiking, others out of towne to get in their debts, or rather their reuenewes, while the Lorde inuiteth vs to be at his feete and vnder the coole shade of that incomparable