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

1 The most perfect are not capable of the sweetness of the meats of this banquet, but we may not have less appetite for all this. 2 A complaint against the contempt of this sweet and wholesome nourishment. 3 The difference between that wine ⟨p. 228⟩which is drawn out of the true vessels, and that which is sower, musty, poisoned, as well old as new, and from what tree the true apples, which fetch our spirits again unto us, are gathered. 4 The virtue and force which maketh our eating and drinking in this feast profitable unto us consisteth and resteth in God alone; and the great abuse committed both in this point as also in doctrine, and the sacraments. 5 Wherefore the spouse is not contented to be held up with one of her Bridegrooms hands only. 6 We must by particular meditation digest the spiritual nourishment we receive in this banquet. 7 Satan and his complices busy themselves in nothing more, then to hinder this digestion, but the Bridegroom holdeth them and bridleth them so far as pleaseth him. 8 It is especially needful that God repress those who trouble the repose and quiet of his spouse within. 9 God wanteth no executioners of his just judgements, especial against the perturbers and troublers of his spouses repose and peace. 10 After meditation we must awake, and proceed to the practise of a christian life: and touching great abuse committed in this behalf. 11 A conclusion touching the sum of that which is contained in this and in the sermon before.

1 The most perfect are not capable of the sweetenes of the meates of this banquet, but we maie not haue lesse appetite for all this. 2 A complaint against the contempt of this sweete and wholesome nourishment. 3 The difference betweene that wine ⟨p. 228⟩which is drawne out of the true vessels, and that which is sower, mustie, poysoned, as well olde as newe, and from what tree the true apples, which fetch our spirites againe vnto vs, are gathered. 4 The vertue and force which maketh our eating and drinking in this feast profitable vnto vs consisteth and resteth in God alone; and the great abuse committed both in this poynt as also in doctrine, and the sacramentes. 5 Wherefore the spouse is not contented to be held vp with one of her Bridegroomes handes onely. 6 We must by particular meditation digest the spirituall nourishment wee receiue in this banquet. 7 Satan and his complices busie themselues in nothing more, then to hinder this digestion, but the Bridegroome holdeth them and brideleth them so far as pleaseth him. 8 It is especially needeful that God represse those who trouble the repose and quiet of his spouse within. 9 God wanteth no executioners of his iust iudgements, especiall against the perturbers and troublers of his spouses repose and peace. 10 After meditation we must awake, and proceed to the practise of a christian life: and touching great abuse committed in this behalfe. 11 A conclusion touching the summe of that which is contained in this and in the sermon before.