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

12 Now that it is not without great cause that the spouse calleth this day the day of the gladness of the heart of this bridegroom, appeareth by the more then marvellous effects. For if this bridegroom had not taken an unspeakable pleasure, to make his very enemies his spouse, how would he have given his life for the winning of her, Joh. 15.13. and Rom. 5.8. How would he have objected him self unto the horrible wrath of God for us? Gal. 3.13. How going unto death would he have prayed so fervently for us, Joh. 17.20. How would he have protested, that he desired nothing more then this oblation of himself to carry our sins upon the tree, which is the principal article of the contract of this marriage? Luke 12.50. How would he have protested of that singular desire he had to celebrate that last supper with his disciples, Luk. 22.15. How in the anguishes of death which were more horrible a great deal in his soul then in his body, as that frightful cry of his which obscured the sun, shook the earth, & clave the stones, namely that, My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me, declareth, would he have prayed for them who crucified him? Lu. 23.30. on whom also afterwards he showed mercy, Act. 3.17. which he yet continueth to do at this day towards us so unworthy of so great and incomprehensible favour.

12 Nowe that it is not without great cause that the spouse calleth this day the day of the gladnes of the heart of this bridegrome, appeareth by the more thē maruelous effects. For if this bridegrome had not taken an vnspeakeable pleasure, to make his very enimies his spouse, how would he haue giuen his life for the winning of her, Ioh. 15.13. and Rom. 5.8