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

Now further, there is a sixth reason for the confirmation of this point, which is, that it doth also make us exceeding profitable unto others; which is a very great addition unto our blessedness. All the wit, & learning, and art in the world, cannot make a man to be a constant and conscionable doer of good, but Gods spirit alone must do that: and therefore goodness is set down as a fruit thereof. Gal 5. 22. And in the sixth chapter of that Epistle, ver. 1. the Apostle saith; If any man be overtaken by any offence, ye that are spiritual restore such a one; not ye ⟨p. 13⟩that are witty or learned, &c. For no man can be a good Physician unto others, but he that hath first wrought a cure upon his own soul; in which¹ regard the Apostle Paul saith: We are able to comfort others with the consolations wherewith we our selves have been comforted. Look then who is most spiritual, and we shall find that he doth always most good. Therefore was it, that when the Apostles were to convert the whole world, and to batter down hell gates upon Satan's head, they had the Spirit plentifully poured down upon them; which filled them so full of heavenly wisdom, and courage,² and zeal, that they did that which all the Kings and Monarchs of the earth could never have effected by all their power and policy. So also when Christ was to do the greatest good that ever any creature did, the Lord saith, that his Spirit shall rest upon him: and thereby was he fitted to go through with the great work of our redemption.³ For (as it is in that place) the Spirit of the Lord is a Spirit [of wisdom and understanding] making those that have it to be of a sound judgement, and able to search into the hidden things of God: [a Spirit of counsel] to guide and direct them [and of power] to strengthen and confirm them, though they were never so feeble and weak: [a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord] to make such as are endued therewith, prudent in his fear, as there the Prophet speaketh.

Now further, there is a sixt reason for the confirmation of this poynt, which is, that it doth also make vs exceeding profitable vnto others; which is a very great addition vnto our blessednesse. All the wit, & learning, and art in the world, cannot make a man to bee a constant and conscionable doer of good, but Gods spirit alone must doe that: and therefore goodnesse is set downe as a fruit thereof. Gal 5. 22. And in the sixth chapter of that Epistle, ver. 1. the Apostle saith; If any man be ouertaken by any offence, ye that are spiritual restore such a one; not ye