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

9 But that which the spouse addeth, That the Bridegroom kept himself behind the wall, and caused himself to be seen only through the grate or lattice, ought well to be considered as putting a difference between the old and the new covenant. For it is true that there was never no other mediator between God and men, but this only Bridegroom of this only spouse, ⟨p. 250⟩which is the Church. It is also most true, that in respect of the effect of his death, he hath suffered from the beginning of the world, Apoc. 13.8. and that consequently the faith of the ancient fathers and ours is all one faith, Heb. 11. But in respect of the manner & measure of the manifestation of this knowledge, there have been two covenants: the one new, the other old which hath an end, being ordained no longer then unto the real coming of the Saviour and full exhibiting and declaration of the doctrine of salvation, which is the gospel. Under the ancient covenant therefore the Lord hath spoken many times & in diverse sorts, not of another doctrine, but after another fashion, both unto the Patriarchs before the Law, and afterward after another manner under the Law by the shadows & figures thereof: whereof Jesus Christ was the body and substance, Heb. 1.1. &. 10.1. & Coloss. 2.17 &. 1. Cor. 10.4.11. & Gal. 4.24. but in the fullness of times God spake by the mouth of his own Son, who became our brother, & exhibited and accomplished really that which was before represented as it were a far off, through the shadows of the Law ceremonial, Heb. 11.13. The Bridegroom therefore came then unto the spouse, but not so near as to kiss her with the kisses of his own mouth, for the last pledge as it were of the consummation of this marriage: but kept himself aloof behind the wall, to say as it were unto his spouse, Lo behold me who forget you not, but will assuredly keep my promise with you in his time, without failing a jot with you, how many difficulties and hinderances so ever present themselves between us. Which thing is verified throughout the whole sacred history of the time which went before the coming of Jesus Christ in flesh. By this wall therefore we must understand, first of all whatsoever was wanting in the ancient covenant being compared with the new, & this again in a double respect.