VeK. 26.] SERMONS UPON ROM.VNS VIII. 225
SERMON XXXIV.
Lilcewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; for we know not vjhat ive should pray for as ice ought ; but the Spirit itself mahellt intercession for us luith groanings luhich cannot be uttered. — KoM. viii. 26.
In the context you have several arguments to persuade to patience under affliction; those two that are of chief consideration are, the hope of glory to come, and the help of the Spirit for the present. This latter is in tiie text.
In this verse, 1. The help of the Spirit is generally asserted.
2. The reason evidencing the necessity of that help.
1. The Author. 2. The manner of the Spirit's assistance. 3. The particular assistance, where we have —
1. The help of the Spirit is generally asserted — 'Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.' By infirmities he meaneth afflictions, and the perturbations occasioned thereby, as fretting or fainting ; or more generally any sinful infirmities, as ignorance, distrust, &c. For afflic- tions; see 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10, 'And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness ; most gladly tl'.erefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake ; for when I am weak, then am I strong. 'For sins, see Heb. v. 2, 3, ' Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmities ; and by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.' The word for help is notable, avvavTiK.aiij3dveTat, helpeth our infirmities (a Mark ix. 24, ' Lord, I believe, help my unbelief,' help me against it) ; which we render, ' he helpeth also,' joineth in relieving, helpeth us under our infirmities, goeth to the other end of the staff, and beareth a part of the burden with us ; the word signifieth to lift up a burden with another. In afflictions we are not alone, but we have the Holy Ghost as our auxiliary comfoi'ter, who strengtheneth and beareth us up when we are weak and ready to sink under our burden.
2. The reason evincing the necessity of that help ; ' for we know not what we should pray for as we ought.' In which there is —
[1.] Something intimated and implied ; that prayer is a great stay in afflictions. James v. 13, ' If any among you be afflicted, let them pray.' God doth afflict us not that we may swallow our griefs, but vent them in prayer. We have no other way to relieve ourselves in any distress, but by serious addresses to God ; this is the means appointed by God to procure comfort to the distressed mind, safety to those that are in danger, relief to them that are in want, strength to them that are in weakness ; in short, the only means for obtaining good and removing evil, whether temptations, dangers, enemies, sin, sorrows, fears, cares, poverty, shame, sickness. God is our only help against all these, and prayer is the means to obtain relief from him ; yea, all grace and strength, and the greatest mercies that we desire and stand in need of.
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226 SERMONS UPON ROMANS VIII. [SeU. XXXIV.
[2.] That which is expressed, that we know not how to conceive our prayers aright, either as to matter or manner. It is said of Zebedee's children, ' Ye know not what ye ask,' Mat. xx. 22 ; and it is true of all others also ; we often beg a mischief to ourselves instead of a blessing. In those times they were subject to great persecutions, and therefore pi'ayed for an exemption from them ; which not happening according to desire, they were troubled. Therefore the apostle telleth them, ' We know not what we should pray for as we ought ; ' we know not what is absolutely best for us till the Spirit enlighten and direct us. There is a darkness and confusion in our minds ; we consult with the flesh, and ask what is most easy, and what is most advantageous. The Spirit of God knoweth what we most stand in need of, and is best for our turn, health, wealth, honour ; or sickness, poverty, and disgrace. There is need of great consideration when we pray, more than good men commonly think of ; that we may neither ask things unlawful, nor lawful things amiss, James iv. 3. We know not what spirit we are of, Luke ix. 65 ; we count revenge, zeal ; therefore the Holy Ghost doth instruct and direct our motions in prayer, 2 Cor. xii. 8, 9.
[3.] Tlie particular assistance we have from him is mentioned — ' But the Spirit maketh intercession for us with groans which cannot be juttered.' Where observe — ■
(1.) The author of this help and assistance ; ' The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us ; ' not that the Spirit prayeth, but sets us a-praying. As here the Spirit is said to pray in us, so elsewhere we are said to ' pray in the Holy Ghost,' Jude 20. He prayeth, as Solomon is said to build the temple ; he did not do the carpenter's or mason's work, but he directed how to build, found out workmen, and furnished them with money and materials. Neither doth the Spirit make intercession for us as Christ doth, Kom. viii. 34, 'Who is at the right hand of God, and maketh intercession for us ; ' presenting himself to God for us. The drawing up of a petition is one tiling, the jJresenting it in court is another ; the Spirit as a notary inditeth our requests, and, as an advo- cate, presenteth them, and pleadeth them in court.