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

As for all manner of sleights and wiles, hath there bin any one unforgotten? But what? Could these impediments stay the Bridegroom, and shut him as it were up in heaven? No But he hath leaped over all this, and though he seemed to have abandoned and forsaken those who are his, yet was there never any tempest wherein he reached them not forth his hand, and whereof the end and issue both in respect of them whom he hath miraculously preserved and ⟨p. 247⟩plucked forth out of the bloody hands of their enemies, as also in regard of them whom he hath vouchsafed this honour of finding their life before him, in losing of it before men) hath not finally turned unto the confusion of the persecutors themselves: some of them being presently punished, others being set as a spectacle of Gods horrible judgements, not outwardly, which is a false mark & note, but inwardly, dying as wickedly as they lived▪ others living still to this day for no other end, but to be witnesses of gods infinite patience; who give them grace to acknowledge and amend their so great wickedness. Yea but will some of these mockers and scorners, of which the world is full fraught at this day, say; It is now too late. I answer, and that without all sophistication, taking the words as we ought to take them, that to come late is not to bestow a long time in coming, but more time then should be bestowed. The sun cometh not unto his point and period but after twelve months: shall we say that he is too late therefore in ruling the seasons of the year? Yea verily, if we will be wiser herein then God: but men of understanding and reason, and such as know that the Lord hath ordered and ruled the motions of the heavens with a wisdom in no point impeachable & such as preacheth the glory of God unto all the world, as it is declared in the 19. Psal. and elsewhere, judge otherwise. And who may then be suffered to say, that the Lord who hath made the times and seasons for the good & the bad, according as it is said, Genes. 8.22. hath not also bounded the government of his house and dwelling place, which is the Church? The Prophet is not of this opinion, Psal. 145.10. Let us therefore know and hold this for an irrefragable point and undeniable, and altogether resolved upon, according unto that which Saint Peter teacheth us,