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

Use 4 A fourth use of this point may be this, that seeing our happiness doth ebb or flow, according to the working of the holy Ghost within us, therefore we should use all means to get and increase the same in our hearts.¹

Vse 4 A fourth vse of this point may be this, that seeing our happinesse doth ebbe or flow, according to the working of the holy Ghost within vs, therefore we should vse all meanes to get and increase the same in our hearts.¹

1. 1How Gods Spirit may be obtainedHow Gods Spirit may be obtainned

Now one means is, exceedingly to desire it, ⟨p. 20⟩and earnestly to long for it: for the Lord saith in the prophecy of Isaiah: I will pour water upon ¹the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy buds. In which place, we see, there is a large promise made, but to whom? To poor desolate Christians that do feel their own miserable and wretched estate, and do even thirst for a supply of Gods graces, as the dry and parched ground doth for the rain to fall upon it; which doth even gape for it before it comes, as if it would devour the clouds before they fall. Concerning such the Lord saith, that he will pour water upon them: neither shall they have grace by drops, but whole floods thereof shall be poured upon them: for God can as easily overflow their souls therewith, as the ground with waters when it stands in need thereof. But what shall they be the better for this? what benefit shall they find thereby? The Prophet telleth us in that very place. Vers. 4. They shall grow as among the grass, and as willows by the rivers of waters. No rain can make the grass so fresh and green; no river can cause the trees that are planted thereby, so to flourish and prosper as the Spirit of God will every thirsty soul, when it is plentifully poured thereupon.