The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the…The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the…

I Began this morning too expound the text of the Psalm alleged here by S. Paul,¹ showing that all the things which are spoken there, agree too the person of the only son of God. For although he say oftentimes by way of similitude, that God goeth up, when he showeth himself judge of the world, and defender of his Church: yet notwithstanding inasmuch as when our Lord Jesus Christ was come down, he was abased as one that was beneath all men, and afterward was exalted by the power of God his father: therein we see most fully, how God vouchsafed too be abased, for a time in the person of his son, and too be in a state despised before men, and afterward would be crowned again with glory and honour, as the Apostle sayeth of him in the Epistle too the Hebrews: and that is the cause why S. Paul saith here,² that it behoved him first too descend, too be so exalted.³ But before we goo any further, we must mark that here S. Paul hath changed the word. For whereas David sayeth, that God Received gifts and presents, that is too say, tribute and homage of those whom he had subdued too his majesty: S. Paul in stead thereof sayeth, that he gave. And so this is not rehearsed as it lieth in the Psalm: but the Apostle meant too show that the triumph which our Lord Jesus Christ made when he rose from death, surmounted all Davids victories, and ⟨image 188⟩all that ever had bin done in shadows and figures under the law. For it is much more too give than too take. Also whereas it is said in the Psalm,⁴ that God received: that was not for himself, nor too his own use: for we know he hath no need of any thing: but his receiving was too enrich his Church. And that is the cause why it is said,⁵ that the women which never stepped out of their doors, shall have their part of the pray or booty.⁶ There therefore David showeth that God was not glorified for any profit or advantage that he pretended on his own behalf, accordingly as it is said that he is contented with his own perfection, for he can neither increase nor diminish: but all redounded too the welfare of his Church. For Gods showing of himself too be rich, is not by keeping of his treasures under double locks (as men say:) but by setting them forth for all comers, at leastwise if we seek them with true faith.