A09998:455
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticlesMaster Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated between us and the adversary at this day, especially touching the true Jesus Christ and the true Church, and the certain & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by John Harmar ...Master Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated betweene vs and the aduersarie at this day, especially touching the true Iesus Christ and the true Church, and the certaine & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by Iohn Harmar ...
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1587Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1587
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
9 But alas, as we have great occasion to magnify our good God and father for that which proceedeth from him: so what exceeding cause have we to humble and condemn our selves before his face? For where shall these flowers be found among us? And if there be any, as the word of the Lord, is never without some effect, Esa. 55.11. shall we yet be able to find so many as may suffice to make a nosegay, to present our Bridegroom withal? I dare not say it standing here in the chair of truth, shall we find any of these flowers in the merchants shops? No, for there is nothing smelleth sweet unto them but gain. What? In the courts and tribunals of justice dispersed here and there through Christendom as it is called? Alas, not to speak of the negligence there committed, which displeaseth ⟨p. 266⟩God so highly, and the acception of persons, a thing so stinking before him, is it possible to find any sweet smelling violet in the desert of extortion, of falsehood, of consciences set to sale, of desire of revenge, of making a trade and living in setting all the world a pleading? Go we to men of occupation, and what shall we find? Deceit and cozenage in some, idleness in others, yea in such as live by their days journey, and especially in the best workmen. I report me to the places hereabouts so much used and haunted with their playing at kayles both within & without the city. I report me to the taverners accounts, who live by the idleness of such people: to the tears and moaning of wives, who carry the marks of their idle and drunken husbands: and to their little children pining and languishing away, and ready to die with hunger. But peradventure you shall find some sweet flower among these great ones who live by their •ent. Nothing less. But, what will will you give me is the first entrance unto your suit. I am content you have it keapes aloof. Wade you farther in it, you find nothing but double dealing and unsatiable covetousness: If you mean to renew your lease, speak to my dame, for she rules the house. And yet you must say grand-mercy, I thank you sir to the butcher that hath cut the purse, though the poor sheep can bleed no longer. It may be the women who make so much of garlands and nosegays, will furnish us with some of these flowers. Not a whit:
9 But alas, as we haue great occasion to magnifie our good God and father for that which proceedeth from him: so what exceeding cause haue we to humble and condemne our selues before his face? For where shall these flowers be found among vs? And if there be any, as the word of the Lord, is neuer without some effect,