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

1 That the Lord suffereth not himself to be found incontinently of his, amidst the confusions and desolations of the Church, is for no other cause, but to make himself to be so much the more ardently and earnestly sought after. 2 It is neither to the greater number, nor unto that which is most commonly received, that we are to keep our selves, to find the true Church. 3 The certain, infallible, and perpetual mark of the true Church is the doctrine registered by the Prophets and Apostles. 4 The truth continueth firm and stable in the true Catholic Church opposed unto the Heretical: but it shineth not always alike, nor is alike known. 5 The doctrine of the Apostles and the Catholic Church are unseparable, and is a testimony one unto the other. 6 The holy scripture ought to serve for text and interpretation. 7 The spirit of truth was never tied, without any exception, unto the Levitical ministry. 8 Wherefore the spouse went her way farther without staying the watches answer. 9 The spirit of truth is not tied to them without exception who sit in the chair of the ministry of the gospel. 10 The holy scriptures are in all times irreprovable Judges of the true Christian doctrine, as it appeareth by the testimony of Jesus Christ himself and his Apostles. 11 Bare personal succession is not to be stood on, though the outward form be therein observed. 12 This doctrine being well practised breedeth no confusion in the Church. 13 The horrible disorder brought in & confirmed in the Church by the Apostatical See of Rome, & that they are neither heretics nor Schismatics who have severed themselves from it by extraordinary means sent of God. 14 The conclusion showing how we ought to behave our selves in this behalf.

1 That the Lord suffereth not himself to be found incontinentlie of his, amidst the confusions and desolations of the Church, is for no other cause, but to make himselfe to be so much the more ardently and earnestly sought after. 2 It is neither to the greater number, nor vnto that which is most commonlie receiued, that we are to keepe our selues, to find the true Church. 3 The certaine, infallible, and perpetuall mark of the true Church is the doctrine registred by the Prophets and Apostles. 4 The truth continueth firme and stable in the true Catholike Church opposed vnto the Hereticall: but it shineth not alwaies alike, nor is alike knowen. 5 The doctrine of the Apostles and the Catholique Church are vnseparable, and is a testimony one vnto the other. 6 The holy scripture ought to serue for text and interpretation. 7 The spirit of truth was neuer tyed, without any exception, vnto the Leuiticall ministerie. 8 Wherefore the spouse went her way farther without staying the watches answere. 9 The spirit of truth is not tyed to thē without exception who sit in the chayre of the ministerie of the gospell. 10 The holy scriptures are in all times irreproueable Iudges of the true Christian doctrine, as it appeareth by the testimony of Iesus Christ himselfe and his Apostles. 11 Bare personall succession is not to be stoode on, though the outward forme bee therein obserued. 12 This doctrine being well practised breedeth no confusion in the Church. 13 The horrible disorder brought in & confirmed in the Church by the Apostatical See of Rome, & that they are neither heretiques nor Schismatiques who haue seuered themselues from it by extraordinarie meanes sent of God. 14 The conclusion shewing how we ought to behaue our selues in this behalfe.