66. Nor does it escape our notice that some
copies have likewise, according to St. Luke: “How much more
shall your heavenly Father give a good gift to them that ask
Him.” This good gift is the grace of the Spirit, which the
Lord Jesus shed forth from heaven, after having been fixed to the
gibbet of the cross, returning with the triumphal spoils of death
deprived of its power, as you find it written: “Ascending
up on high He led captivity captive, and gave good gifts to
men.” Ps. lxviii.
[lxvii.] 18. And well
does he say “gifts,” for as the Son was given, of Whom it
is written: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is
given;” Isa. ix. 6. so, too, is the
grace of the Spirit given. But why should I hesitate to say that
the Holy Spirit also is given to us, since it is written:
“The love of God is shed forth in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
Who is given to us.” Rom. v. 5. And
since captive breasts certainly could not receive Him, the Lord Jesus
first led captivity captive, that our affections being set free, He
might pour forth the gift of divine grace.