14. Moreover, whatsoever miracle they shall ask of Himself, in His own name (and, of course, with the requisite faith), that He will perform. We incline to the view that in verses 13 and 14 there is question _primarily_ of miracles; but the expression “si quid” (ἐάν τι) is so general, that we would not limit the promise, but are inclined to believe that it proves the efficacy of all prayer of supplication offered with the proper dispositions. 15. Si diligitis me, mandata 15. If you love me keep my mea servate. commandments. 15. Now begins the promise of the Holy Ghost—the _fifth_ and greatest motive of consolation. But first in this verse, He requires as a condition that they should prove the love they protested by keeping His commandments; for, as St. Gregory says, “Love is proved by deeds.” 16. Et ego rogabo Patrem, et 16. And I will ask the Father, alium Paraclitum dabit vobis, and he shall give you another ut maneat vobiscum in Paraclete, that he may abide aeternum. with you for ever. 16. “Paraclitus”(96) may mean comforter, advocate, or helper. Bearing in mind the tribulations in which the Apostles were already, and the still greater ones that awaited them, we think the principal meaning here is that of comforter. But this does not exclude the other meanings, especially that of helper, which the Holy Ghost undoubtedly was in an eminent degree. This other Comforter, who is promised in Christ’s stead, will not leave the Apostles, as Christ did, but is to remain with them for ever. It is disputed whether the Holy Ghost is here promised only to the Apostles, or, in them, to the whole teaching Church. In the first case, “for ever,” would mean during their lives; in the second, it would mean till the end of the world, as long as the Church shall endure. This latter sense we prefer, for—(1) the words “for ever” favour this view; (2) though the Apostles needed a comforter, yet not they only, but their successors quite as much; (3) this spirit is promised to teach them all truth (John xvi. 13); why, except in order that they through themselves _and their successors_ might teach the world? (4) we know from the event that on the day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost came not to the Apostles alone (Acts ii. 4). We hold then that the Holy Ghost is here promised to the _Ecclesia docens_, represented by the Apostles, to abide with her for ever.