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Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticlesMaster Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles
Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated between us and the adversary at this day, especially touching the true Jesus Christ and the true Church, and the certain & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by John Harmar ...Master Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles wherein are handled the chiefest points of religion controversed and debated betweene vs and the aduersarie at this day, especially touching the true Iesus Christ and the true Church, and the certaine & infallible marks both of the one and of the other. Translated out of French into English by Iohn Harmar ...
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1587Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1587
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2 Now in this beginning we are to consider four points. The first, who he is that speaketh: because (as we said the last day) there be in this Canticle many persons brought in. Secondly to whom, or rather of whom it is here spoken. For it is not said here, Kiss me, but Let him kiss me. Thirdly we must consider what the demand is of her which speaketh: & fourthly, after what fashion this demand is made. It is then the Spouse or Bride, which speaketh to her Bridegroom. For as touching the manner of speaking, whereas the spouse saith not, Kiss me, but Let him kiss me, this is according to the use and custom of that tongue wherein Solomon wrote, & therefore letteth not, but that the spouse addresseth her speech to her beloved. But it may seem strange and little seeming to this most chaste and pure Virgin, that she in this sort beginneth first, ⟨p. 15⟩sith honesty it self prescribeth & commandeth in every well-ordered marriage, that the first words proceed from the man, and not from the maiden or woman which he woeth. I answer that even in deed so it is also in these spiritual fiansailes in respect of every faithful soul. For albeit the spouse spake first in this place, as covering & desiring her beloved, even as the hind brayeth after, and desireth the refreshing of the rivers of water. Psal. 42.1. notwithstanding we must take diligent heed how we think, that this desire of hers which opened the mouth, began from her. It is then the Bridegroom which hath spoken first unto her, & prepared her within to seek and search after him as it is said, Psal. 116.10. I have believed, & therefore I have spoken. And in an other place, With the heart a man believeth to righteousness, and afterward with the mouth he confesseth to salvation, Rom. 10.10. And indeed Ezekiel cap. 16. declaring the beginning of this contract of marriage, showeth us well, that it proceeded-not from the spouse, whom he compareth to a poor maiden coming newly forth out of the womb of her mother altogether bloody & polluted. Which S. Paul plainly & without figure expoundeth unto us,