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

11 The spouse after this, to show us that it is there and no where else that we must seek after and find the true repose & rest, as it is declared unto us, Matth. 11.29. & that there is nothing more safe & assured then this rest, addeth that this bed is environed & compassed with 60. valiant men of Israel: and who besides their prows and courage have also experience, to hinder that nothing fall out by night, which may hinder the fruit of this rest. Now that which we try & experience every day showeth us, how not only profitable, but altogether necessary this doctrine is. For what is one of the chief and principal causes of this, that so few men give themselves unto this rest, and that so few continue in it? Is it not because that this bed seemeth to be but sorrily guarded, and badly defended, & therefore they fear least they ⟨p. 355⟩should be easily suppressed & have their throats cut. But let us know that these carnal caitives, do as the foolish birds do, who so soon as they see the cat, instead of keeping themselves on their perch, throw themselves into the talons of the enemy. For he that goeth forth of the Church, casteth himself undoubtedly into the paws of the ravening lion, 1. Pet. 5.8. The fault therefore hereof proceedeth from hence, that men having no other eyes then those of their head, & not those of faith, believe only that which they see, & persuade themselves of that which cannot be seen, but by the eyes of the spirit which see that which is invisible, Heb. 11.27. and Ephes. 2.18. except it be when God bestoweth some special privilege upon some, as he did on Jacob, Gen. 32.2. and on the servant of the Prophet, 2. King. 6.17. But what saith the Lord? Thomas, because thou hast seen, thou hast believed: but blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. Joh. 20.29