Three godly and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Master John DodThree godlie and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Maister Iohn Dod

First of all, if there be nothing in a man but that which by nature and industry may be attained §1unto, then surely he hath not in him the spirit of God; for that is above nature, and worketh supernatural effects: in which regard the Apostle doth set the spirit of God in opposition against the spirit of the world, saying, We have received the spirit, not of the world, but of God. 1. Cor. 2. 14.

First of all, if there bee nothing in a man but that which by nature and industrie may be attained §1vnto, then surely hee hath not in him the spirit of God; for that is aboue nature, and worketh supernaturall effects: in which regard the Apostle doth set the spirit of God in oppositiō against the spirit of the world, saying, Wee haue receiued the spirit, not of the world, but of God. 1. Cor. 2. 14.

Secondly, consider whether there be in thee §2any alteration, and change: for in regeneration, there must be a corruption of sin, so that as seed in the ground, so sin in our souls, may decay, that the new man may be raised up, the spirit of God taking possession of our souls. Therefore the Evangelist John maketh this the first work of the¹ spirit, that it shall convince the world of sin: which is so needful, that without it Christ Jesus can never enter into the heart: for he promiseth to dwell only with them, that are humble in spirit, and contrite ⟨p. 164⟩²