overcome us, if we were left to ourselves ; and they who have endured heavy trials, often faint under small ones.]
But God sends his Spirit to help the infirmities of his people —
[We cannot exactly discriminate between the Spirit's agency and theirs. Indeed the Spirit acts in and by their endeavours e. He leads them to see the source and tendency of their trials. He strengthens the natural vigour of their minds. He suggests to them many consolatory thoughts. Thus he fulfils to them that gracious declarationf — ]
These operations of the Spirit are yet more manifest,
II. In seasons of prayer —
God's people " know not even what to pray for" —
[A great variety of passions may agitate their minds. When this is the case, their petitions may be unbecoming and sinful. Even a sense of guilt will often stop the mouth before Godg. Sometimes also trouble itself will utterly overwhelm the soul, and incapacitate it for prayer h. Our Lord himself seems to have experienced such a perturbation of mind1; nor are there any praying persons who have not often found them- selves straitened in the exercise of prayer.]
It yet often er happens that they know not how to pray " as they ought" —
[We may easily utter good and suitable words before God; but it is by no means easy to pray with fervent impor- tunity. An insurmountable languor or obduracy will some- times come upon the soul. Nor though we were ever so fervent can we always exercise faith. Many have felt the same workings of mind with David k — At such seasons they cannot pray as they ought.]
But the Holy Spirit will "make intercession for them"—
[Christ is properly our Advocate and Intercessor1: but the Spirit also may be said to "intercede for us." The Spirit intercedes in us at the throne of grace, while Christ intercedes
e This is implied in the term ovvavTiXanfiavErai — " Metaphora ab oneribus sumpta, quae, utrinque admotis manibus, sublevantur." Beza in Luc. x. 40. Feeble therefore as our strength is, we must exert it : and if we cheerfully put our hands to the work, the Holy Spirit will always afford us effectual succour.
f Ps. cxlvii. 3. g Compare Ps. xxxii. 3, 5.
h Ps. lxxvii. 4. ' John xii. 27.
k Ps. lxxvii. 7—10. ' 1 John ii. 1.