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

1 The spouse by falling asleep in her chiefest peace & tranquillity is the cause of her own desolation. 2 The Bridegroom notwithstanding leaveth not to awake her in his time, and the great difference which is between this awaking and that which proceedeth from the biting of sin. 3 The faults committed in the seeking after the Bridegroom, which is the cause why he is not found by such seeking after. 4 The greatest blessings of God both temporal and spiritual, by ill using of them, become the instruments of mans ruin and destruction. 5 Application of this doctrine to such as are asleep in our time. 6 An other kind of sleep which turneth often times into an incurable lethargy. 7 The resolution we ought to make touching the points which are at this day controversed in Christendom, in the matter of religion. 8 An answer unto them, who say that we sell Paradise very good cheap. 9 We must rise out of our bed to find this Bridegroom. 10 The conclusion of this matter, with an exhortation for the through practise of this doctrine.

1 The spouse by falling asleepe in her chiefest peace & tranquillity is the cause of her own desolation. 2 The Bridegroome notwithstanding leaueth not to awake her in his time, and the great difference which is betweene this awaking and that which proceedeth from the biting of sin. 3 The faults committed in the seeking after the Bridegroome, which is the cause why hee is not found by such seeking after. 4 The greatest blessings of God both temporall and spirituall, by ill vsing of them, become the instrumentes of mans ruine and destruction. 5 Application of this doctrine to such as are asleepe in our time. 6 An other kinde of sleepe which turneth often times into an incureable lethargie. 7 The resolution wee ought to make touching the pointes which are at this day controuersed in Christendome, in the matter of religion. 8 An answere vnto them, who say that we sel Paradise verie good cheape. 9 We must rise out of our bed to finde this Bridegroome. 10 The conclusion of this matter, with an exhortation for the through practise of this doctrine.

WE have in the Chapter going before understood and seen the sweet and gracious behaviour of the Bridegroom in caressing and entertaining of his spouse, and reposing of her in a most happy rest, looking for still notwithstanding and expecting another more near arrival & coming of his, namely then, when he should come as the Sun rising from on high to give light unto the world, and when the figures and shadows of the Law should have an end, as it is said,