Four sermons of Master John Calvin entreating of matters very profitable for our time,…Foure sermons of Maister Iohn Caluin entreating of matters very profitable for our time,…

An exposition upon the 87. Psalm.

An exposition vpon the 87. Psalme.

The Argument. We see that when all things go well with the Children of this world, how they please themselves in their own state and condition, & how proudly they advance themselves in despising the Church of GOD: and although they be often times tamed by afflictions: yet can they not forget this so foolish overweening arrogancy, so to please themselves in the transitory trumpery of the earth. In the mean season, they care not greatly for religion, nor for the service of God: forsomuch as delighting themselves with their vain delights, riches, commodities, pomps and honours they think themselves happy without the help of God. Now it falleth out oftentimes, that God handleth such people according too their desires, as if he would even fat them up, until the due time of punishing them be come: and contrariwise he afflicteth his Church with many adversities, and handleth it wonderful roughly: or rather leaveth it too languish in a poor and miserable condition: in such sort that it might think it self most unhappy: at the least it is subject too the scoffing and biting slanders of worldlings. To the end therefore that the faithful be not deceived, with such an outward show, it is needful for them too be drawn too a more high consideration: too the end they may hold that for undoubted, which is said in the 33. Psal. ver. 12. that that people is blessed, which hath the Lord for their God. And this is the sum of this present Psalm, too show that there is but one only Church of God, which excelleth in dignity and excellency all the kingdoms and common wealths of the earth, because that it hath God, for the Tutor and Keeper of the salvation thereof. ⟨image 59⟩And because it is under his hand and leading, yea too the end that amongest the horrible tempests, troubles and changes wherewith the world is continually shaken, it may remain constant and stand fast, and principally I that being so miraculously saved through the grace of God, it may courageously go on too the battle; until that it attain too that crown of glory which is laid up for it on high. And this undoubtedly is a singular benefit of GOD, and a miracle worthy never too be forgotten, that amongest so many alterations and changes of the kingdoms of the world, he continueth his church from age too age, and never suffereth it too be abolished.