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

11 I have said, that it is not enough that the Bridegroom speak, but we must hearken unto, know and practise that which he speaketh. That is not the true Church then which stayeth herself still here below, and consequently goeth no farther then herself, either in whole or in part, mingling her own merits with grace, according unto the example of the proud Pharisee, Luk. 18.11. and that much less, which either borroweth or buyeth the false merits of an other, which were never any: but she which seeketh after her whole righteousness & life, in the only free love and dilection of Jesus Christ.

11 I haue said, that it is not enough that the Bridegroome speake, but wee must hearken vnto, knowe and practise that which he speaketh. That is not the true Church then which staieth herselfe still here belowe, and consequently goeth no farther then herselfe, either in whole or in part, mingling her owne merites with grace, according vnto the example of the proud Pharisie, Luk. 18.11. and that much lesse, which either boroweth or buieth the false merits of an other, which were neuer any: but shee which seeketh after her whole righteousnesse & life, in the only free loue and dilection of Iesus Christ.

12 He calleth her also his fair one, and that by great reason and on just cause. For the true Church is adorned and decked with the whole beauty of her Bridegroom, and therefore it is ⟨p. 254⟩not that harlot painted with the painters pot of those inventions whereof mention is made, Coloss. 2.22. as neither are those hypocrites the Church of God, who are like unto painted sepulchres, fair without, and full of all stench & rottenness within,