lxvii. The Beloued to his Spouse.
The Argument.
Christe
seyng the carefulnes of his Spouse for her yong
sister, teacheth what must be doen to her, saying: If she
be a wal, that is as sum take it elect, and yet not in the fayth:
and as other sum take it, instructed in the faythe, but yet not
perfecte, we wyll buylde vpon her a syluer bulwarke, that is
accordyng to eleccion a strong and valiaunt fayth: & according
to fayth, the gyftes of the holy gost, as knowlege, vtterance,
power to wurke myracles. &c. whiche bothe agree well to the
matter, but the last is moste nere, and proper. But yf she be an
open dore, that is in state of grace, apte to receyue any kynde
of doctrine, we wyll garnishe or fasten her with borders of
cedre tree, with good doctrine, good bokes, good, constant and
perfect preachers. whiche shall kepe her close from errour.
Thus sayth Christ she must be doen by, singyng to his spouse
as foloweth.
Yf that thy sister be a wall,
Vpon the same than buylde we shall
A bulwarke of syluer,
Yf that she be an open dore,
We wyll her fasten close before
With borders of Ceder.
