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

5 But can it be shown by the Scripture or by any testimony worthy of credit that Jesus Christ hath established in the world one certain place or catholic See, that is to say, where an head should be seated having authority over all the particular churches of the world? And if it were lawful for men to constitute & appoint themselves one, why should Rome rather be chosen then Jerusalem the first & the ancient of all the Churches? Called of the Prophets the City of God? From whence the word of God should go forth into all the world? And founded notoriously by S. Peter & the rest of the Apostles? Or rather then Antioch where were named the first christians? & where it is notorious that S. Pet. & S. Paul lived? But in sum, what reasonable man can be ignorant what is to be judged of the See of Rome, seeing that Daniel speaking clearly & plainly of that God on earth calleth him by his name the God Maozzim: which is as much to say in the language of the Prophet, as the God of Rome, or the God of the Romans, Dan. 11.38. For it is evident that this word of Rome, in the greek tongue, which was then used in that country where this city was first built & named, signifieth as much as the Hebrew word which the Prophet useth. And S. Paul speaking of him which reigned in his time, I mean the Emperor of Rome, saith expressly that of the destruction of him should be borne che child of perdition, 2. Thess. 2.7. and when Saint John nameth expressly the City of seven hills, Apoc. 17.9. In a word therefore as it is the Lord which hath of his great grace built his Coach where it pleaseth him, never using the help of any for the inventing the plot and model thereof, but using indeed the ministry of certain his faithful servants, all of them immediately chosen, as was Moses, & after him the Apostles, for the setting ⟨p. 368⟩up of it according unto the form and pattern which himself & no other hath devised: & giving the name of Coach unto this ecclesiastical government, he hath declared that he would not make it abiding for ever in one place, but hath used and doth use, & shall use it unto the end of the world, transporting it according unto his good and holy will & pleasure,