volume 4

434 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IV.
made perfect
in weakness/ 2 Cor. xiL 9. Wherein he had an inti
mation both of God s gracious care and good-will towards him, as also
of the actual powerful assistance which he should be supplied with
against his temptation. And this sense isdetermined by the next words.
E/ s ti/xxipov (3oy9uav. What kind of help fSoriSua is hath been de
clared on chap. ii. 18. It is a "succour;" that is, aid
icti. , .
yielded unto any upon their cry. QtTv f<$
por^,
"
to run
in to assist upon the cry of any," is the original of the word s signi
fication. And this help is,
Evxaipog, "seasonable;" that is, help foW?,
E&JM
"
in its time," its proper
time or season. Prov. xv. 23, 2iD-n inya i:n ;_ A word
in its time" (or "its season "),"how good is it!" Help
that is fit, suitable, seasonable, that is, on the part of God that gives
it, of the persons that receive it, of the time wherein it is afforded,
of the end for which it is bestowed, is twaipos. This kind of help it
becometh the greatness and wisdom of God to give. And it is an
impression on the minds of men by nature that such kind of help is
from God. Hence the proverb, Qsbs avt> f^^av^i, for unexpected aid
when all things otherwise would be lost. This the psalmist excel
lently expresseth, Ps. xlvi. 2, lisa WKM rf-rca TO;" God is a help
version adds in this
wonderfully found in straits." And so the Syriac
place, "help in time of affliction" or "persecution." Grace, there
fore, effectual for our assistance in every time of need, upon our cry to
God in Christ, is that which is here intended. I know not whether
I may add an allusion that may be found in the Hebrew words, if
respect may be had to that language here. For as ND3 is a
the throne whereunto we approach for help ; so KM is
"
throne,"
as much as
"
"
ft?f an
time" appointed or season." We come N??? for help ^9??.
We have opened the words in their order as they lie in the text.
Our observations from the resolution of the sense will arise from the
last clause and ascend unto the first ; and in them the meaning of the
words themselves will be yet more fully explained ; as,
06s. I. There is, there will be a season, many a season in the
course of our profession and walking before God, wherein we do or
shall stand in need of especial aid and assistance.
This is included in the last words,
"
help in a time of need,"-
help that is suitable and seasonable for and unto such a condition,
wherein we are found earnestly to cry out for it. This I shall a little
enlarge upon. Our condition all along and in all things is wantiug
and indigent. We do live, we must live, if we intend to live, always
in a constant dependence on God in Christ for
supplies. There is a
continual l-r/^o^Tjy/a roD Tlnvparos, Phil. i. 19, or "additional supply
of the Spirit" unto what we have received, without which we cannot
well spiritually subsist one moment. And "
God supplies all our
wants according to his riches in glory" (that is, his glorious
riches in