DIAL. XXIII.
Verses 26, 27. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infir∣mities, for we know not what to pray as we ought: but the Spi∣rite it selfe maketh requests for vs with sighes that cannot bee expressed.
VVHat is the drift of this text?
It affordeth vnto beleeuers a newe rea∣son why they ought patiently to beare the crosse, and to suffer persecution for righteousnesle sake, with comfort and Christian constancy. This reason is drawne from an effect of the holy Spirit of God, in the hearts of the be∣leeuers; to wit, his secret and mighty helpe afforded them in their prayers to God: when they are so beset & straight∣ned, as they know what course to follow.
Howe may it bee that prayer should afford comfort to the godly, while they are vnden the crosse?
They are helpfull and comfortable in two re∣spects. First, because they are stirred vp by the Holy Ghost, verse 26. Secondly, because they are heard and graunted of God, verse 27.
What may the parts of this text be?
Two, the first is, that prayer is a great stay in af∣flictions. The second is the reasons hereof, the one taken from the author, to wit, the Spirite stirring them vp; the o∣ther from the fruite thereof.
Expqund the words and tell vs what is here meant by the [Spirit?]
Some by Spirit vnderstand a spiritual man: others by Spirit vnderstand an extraordinary and miraculous gift of the Spirit; but by Spirit is here meant the third person in Trinity, euen the holy Spirit of God.
What doth infirmity signifie?
These three things; first, our sinfull weaknesse, to wit, ignorance, distrust, &c. for these he as a proper cause