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 is so authorized by her Bridegroom, that none ever set on her who had not the worst. 2 This authority pertaineth nothing at all unto the false Church. 3 Wherefore this spouse is compared unto a cloud, resembling an high and a strait pillar. 4 What the desert or wilderness is from which this pillar cometh. 5 We must come forth out of this desert & not fall out of one desert into another. 6 The deserts of the ancient monks compared with the palaces of these goodly fathers, and false religions of our time. 7 Wherefore the spouse is compared unto a palm or date tree. 8 What the excellent perfumes of this spouse are, and whence they come. 9 The spouse instead of resting on the praises which are attributed unto her, how true soever they be, employeth her self the rather to praise the Bridegroom & to make him known unto every one. 10 What this bed was of Solomon the figure of this true Solomon who is full of peace. 11 Howe safe this bed is where the true repose and rest is found. 14 Wherefore Solomon speaketh here of threescore men of guard about his bed. 13 Who are the true guard and defenders of the salvation of the faithful, especially against all invisible enemies. 14 A conclusion touching the use of this doctrine.

1 The spouse is so authorized by her Bridegroome, that none euer sette on her who had not the worst. 2 This authoritie pertaineth nothing at al vnto the false Church. 3 Wherefore this spouse is compared vnto a cloude, resembling an high and a strait piller. 4 What the desert or wildernesse is from which this piller commeth. 5 We must come forth out of this desert & not fal out of one desert into another. 6 The deserts of the auncient monkes compared with the pallaces of these goodly fathers, and false religions of our time. 7 Wherefore the spouse is compared vnto a palme or date tree. 8 What the excellent perfumes of this spouse are, and whence they come. 9 The spouse insteed of resting on the praises which are attributed vnto her, how tru soeuer they be, imploieth her self the rather to praise the Bridegrome & to make him knowen vnto euerie one. 10 What this bed was of Salomon the figure of this true Salomon who is full of peace. 11 Howe safe this bed is where the true repose and rest is found. 14 Wherefore Salomon speaketh here of threescore men of gard about his bed. 13 Who are the true gard and defenders of the saluation of the faithful, especiallie against all inuisible enemies. 14 A conclusion touching the vse of this doctrine.