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

9 And to the end we should be the more certain and assured, it is not only said that this beloved is ours, but also that we the beloved are his. The donation therefore is mutual and reciprocal. But alas what gift have we brought him and presented him withal, having nothing in us but wickedness and corruption? Yea verily, then when he took us unto himself with all our filthy defilements: not to defile himself with them, but to blot and wash them out, and in lieu of them to deck and adorn his spouse, with that purity and beauty, whereof we have before spoken, and shall hereafter be further occasioned to speak of, Ezech. 16. To say the truth then, we have given him nothing nor brought him any thing in respect of the first grace: but have done nothing but received by the hand of faith, which was freely given us to receive the other withal, Ephe. 2.8. Philip. 1.29. But this former grace being received, it hath been accompanied with other gifts, which we offer up unto him together with our own persons, Rom. 1.21. which he most graciously accepteth of, though he have no profit thereby, Psalm. 16.2. Luk. 17.19. but according unto his good pleasure only. In a word therefore, who can give any thing unto him, from whom alone whatsoever is good to be given, cometh and proceedeth? Rom. 11.35. & Jam. 1.17. and if we present him any thing, it cometh all from him. ⟨p. 298⟩We are therefore given unto him, because he hath given himself to us, & hath bought us with the price of himself, 1. Pet. 1.18. not as if we had bought and sold with him, to pay him or give him that which we have received of free gift. And yet we may not come with empty hands before the Lord, seeing he giveth us wherewith to make an offering,