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

4 But why is this house which is so strong and stable, that it prevaileth against hell-gates it self, Math. 16.18. compared here unto a Coach which is made to go from place to place? We have already yielded the reason thereof, to which ye shall add this which I will farther tell you. It is to show us how shamefully and wittingly they abuse them-selves, who dream that God hath tied his truth unto one sole place, or See, which men in our time have persuaded themselves to be the See of Rome: in so much that some are become so blockish blind as to think ⟨p. 365⟩that the Catholic & Apostolic Church, & the Roman Church is all one, adding this word unto the Apostles & Nicene Creed: a thing as improper & absurd, what reply soever be made to the contrary, as if a man should say, that the head of a man, & a man were all one: though we should grant them that the See of Rome, such as it is at this day, were not only the true Church, but which is more, the head of all particular Churches. Let us therefore note that this true Coach is there found, where this Bridegroom is purely preached, both in respect of his person, and in regard of his office: without matching him or over-matching him with a companion either superior, as they do who pray the virgin Mary to command her Son: or collateral, as they do who call the same virgin their aide and their hope: or else inferior, as they do who call upon the Saints absent, or upon the dead. But some man will say, Is there then no certain visible place, on which the Christians ought to depend & stay themselves, to say, we must believe and do that which is taught and commanded in such a place? Jesus Christ being asked the same question, answereth not, that it is Rome,, or any other place. But, saith he, where the dead body is, there the eagles gather themselves together, Luk. 17.37. And what is this dead body? It is saith Saint Paul, Jesus Christ, & he crucified, besides which I will know nothing, understanding by the name of Christ the person, and by the word of crucified, all that which he hath done for us, even unto that last cry of his which shaked both the heaven and the earth, saying, All is finished. And thus much touching the Doctrine.

4 But why is this house which is so strong and stable, that it preuaileth against hel-gates it selfe,