Wesley Corpus

xiv. 15: To prove which, you comment on the eighth chapter to the Romans, particularly the twenty-sixth verse; and here again it is said, that “the interpretation assigned is confirmed by several of the most eminent fathers, more especially the great John Chrysostom, as well as by Origen and Jerome upon the place.” I cannot find St. Jerome to have writ one line upon the place. And it is obvious, that St. Chrysostom supposes the whole con text from the seventeenth to the twenty-fifth verse, torelate to all Christians in all ages. How this can be said to “confirm the interpretation assigned,” I cannot conjecture. Nay, it is remark able, that he expounds the former part of the twenty-sixth verse as describing the ordinary privilege of all Christians. Thus far, therefore, he does not confirm but overthrow, the “interpre tation before assigned.” But in the middle of the verse he breaks off, and expounds the latter part, as describing one of the miraculous gifts. Yet I must do the justice to this venerable man to observe, he does not suppose that a miraculous gift was given, only that the inspired might do what any ordinary Christian might have done without it; (this interpretation, even of the latter part of the verse, he does in nowise confirm;) but that he might ask, in every particular circumstance, the determinate thing which it was the will of God to give. 20. The third father by whom it is said this interpretation is confirmed, is Origen. The first passage of his, which relates to Rom. viii. 26, runs thus: “Paul, perceiving how far he was, after all these things, from knowing to pray for what he ought, as he ought, says, “We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But he adds, whence, what is wanting may be had by one who indeed does not know, but labours to be found worthy of having the defect. supplied. For he says, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities. For we know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.