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

5 Such was the condition of the ancient Church, & namely of that of Rome, until the time of Sylvester under Constantine the Great, since which time this dove, which kept herself before until this time in holes and corners, finding afterward the spring of the meadow, so pleasant and sweet, and so falling there asleep, the ravening and unclean birds are come & nestled in her place, and disguising themselves at first into Doves and pigeons, have so flattered and enchanted the Roman Eagle, that finally the great puttock of Rome hath seized on the Eagles crown, and charged himself with three, decking himself with the Eagles feathers, and namely with the capital city of the Empire, so that at this day the rest must do homage unto this beast. And this is the reason why this Image of the Roman Empire (which is the whore sitting upon ⟨p. 281⟩the seven hills of Rome) succeeding this beast whose Image she is called, being of the same nature, tendeth unto the same end: using still the same trade of ruining the dove-houses and driving away the poor fearful doves of the Lord with fire & sword, yea thrusting the fire into their small culver holes, as she hath always done, and yet doth unto this day. But what? The Lord hath limited the seasons of the winter, as we see he hath done, by continual experience, yea breaketh off suddenly the course of the storms and tempests as it is said, Psal. 65.8. and as he practised the same sensibly, Matth. 8.26. I speak this especially for us in this place, which a man may truly call a small nest placed in these crags and mountains, which hath served and yet serveth for an harbour of poor fugitive doves, which hath been by a singular and more then admirable goodness and mercy of God preserved, and that by evident & apparent miracles, against all the enterprises which satan and his complices could hitherto devise: for which so great a benefit of his, God give us grace to be thankful, both in word and deed.

5 Such was the condition of the ancient Church, & namely of that of Rome, vntil the time of Syluester vnder Constantine the Great, since which time this doue, which kept herselfe before vntil this time in holes and corners, finding afterwarde the spring of the meddowe, so pleasant and sweete, and so falling there asleepe, the rauening and vnclean birds are come & nestled in her place, and disguising themselues at first into Doues and pigeons, haue so flattered and enchaunted the Romane Eagle, that finally the great puttocke of Rome hath seased on the Eagles crowne, and charged himselfe with three, decking himselfe with the Eagles feathers, and namely with the capitall citty of the Empire, so that at this day the rest must doe homage vnto this beast. And this is the reason why this Image of the Romane Empire (which is the whore sitting vpon