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

7 But to apply this doctrine yet more nearer unto our use, when we see at this day such differents and controversies in Christendom, it is not for us to say, Let all be as be may, we will meddle with none of them ▪ as these good fellows do, who depart out of the world, before they knew wherefore they came into it (a most wretched & miserable condition) but we must follow the example of this spouse, who in the midst of her ease fell not so asleep, as not to wake again to seek after her Bridegroom, that is to say, to be throughly resolved where he was, and to join herself unto him. Behold the first point. The second is, that to know where this Bridegroom is, & consequently the true doctrine of salvation, we may not look where the greatest ease is, where the greatest number, and on which side the greatest honours and promotions are to be found, as we see the manner of the world to be at this day, siding & sorting themselves with them, who seem the stronger & the more eminent men in their eyes. For contrariwise, if you were of the world, the world would love you, saith the Lord, Joh. 15.19. And this worldly blessedness & happiness is not among them which Christ reckoneth up, Mat. 5. Luk. 6. Nay contrariwise, if a man be waxen fat and rich, he must become lean & slender to be able to pass through the eye of the needle, Luk. 18.28. which is the strait way which leadeth unto salvation. Let us therefore remember that the spouse having sought the Bridegroom in this bed, found him not.

7 But to apply this doctrine yet more nearer vnto our vse, when wee see at this day such differents and controuersies in Christendome, it is not for vs to say, Let all be as be may, we will meddle with none of thē ▪ as these good fellows do, who depart out of the worlde, before they knew wherfore they came into it (a most wretched & miserable condition) but we must follow the example of this spouse, who in the midst of her ease fel not so asleep, as not to wake againe to seeke after her Bridegroome, that is to say, to be throughly resolued where he was, and to ioine hirselfe vnto him. Behold the first point. The second is, that to know where this Bridegrome is, & consequently the true doctrine of saluation, we may not looke where the greatest ease is, where the greatest number, and on which side the greatest honours and promotions are to be found, as wee see the maner of the world to be at this day, siding & sorting themselues with them, who seem the stronger & the more eminent mē in their eies. For cōtrariwise, if you were of the world, the world would loue you, saith the Lord,