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

& as touching their life & ours, we confess that as for us we have but too great occasion to hang down our heads: as for them, the heaven and the earth knoweth too well what their merits are.

& as touching their life & ours, wee confesse that as for vs wee haue but too great occasion to hang downe our heades: as for them, the heauen and the earth knoweth too well what their merites are.

9 The spouse addeth that which is properly belonging unto this matter, saying, that when she found not her Bridegroom in this bed where she sought him, she rose to seek him whom she so heartily loveth, where ever he were. Now to creep into her bed and there to lie grovelling, and to rise, are things clean contrary, the one to the other: and indeed it is not enough to condemn ⟨p. 316⟩that which is ill, but we must like and approve that which is good and practise it. What is then to rise out of her bed? It is to quit and forsake all things without exception, together with which we cannot enjoy Jesus Christ, that is to say, to renounce a mans self, which is the A.B.C. of Christians, Matth. 16.24. It is to put out one eye, and to cut off one arm, to enter rather one-eyed & maimed into the kingdom of this Bridegroom, then having two eyes & two arms to be cast into hell fire, Mat. 5.29.30. it is to leave all things to follow after this Bridegroom, according unto the example of his true disciples, Mat. 19.27. it is to follow the example of that thrice happy merchant, who sold all that he had to buy the pearl be found, Mat. 13.46. it is to be ready in the banqueting hall, and not to be hindered and kept thence either by farm, or tillage, or marriage,