Verse 13 If ye then, being evil; that is, if men, unfeeling and selfish as human nature is, &c.--The Holy Spirit. This expression seems to imply that Jesus considered it of course that these earnest requests of his disciples would be for spiritual favors. There cannot, in fact, be this eager and unhesitating importunity, in asking for temporal mercies or for deliverance from temporal ills. There will always be, in a soul imbued with a right spirit, a certain reserve and qualification,--If it be possible,--or, Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.