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the Holy Ghost, whose proper work it is to comfort, and who is therefore called the Comforter, John xiv. 16. For by him only a man can know, and by him a man may know, the things which are given him of God, 1 Cor. ii. 12.

But it will be said, The Spirit blows where it lists, how is it possible for any man by any means to get it?

In respect of man's own ability, it is as impossible for him to obtain the divine Spirit to dwell and work in his heart, as it was for those impotent folk, who lay waiting at the pool of Bethesda for the angel's coming to move the waters, to cause the said moving of the waters; yet they waited, the waters were moved, and they that continued patiently waiting at the pool were benefitted, John v. 3, 4. Thus if men will wait in the use of the means wherein and whereby God does give and continue his Holy Spirit to men, they may hope to enjoy this unspeakable blessing.

The first means to get the Spirit, is humility. To be sensible of the loss of that which once you had in Adam, you must mourn, and hunger and thirst after the Spirit, Matt. v. 3 - 6. If you will do thus, you may hope to receive the Spirit. For God saith, that he will pour water upon him that is thirsty, &c. I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, saith he to the church, Isa. xliv. 3.

Secondly, That your heart may be stirred up to long for the Spirit, you must know that there is a Holy Ghost, and not only so, but you must know him to be God, and you must believe him to be the Comforter; and give him this honour and glory, as to believe in him, and conceive of him as the proper author of sanctification and comfort; this is the way to have the Spirit, and to be sure of it that you have it. Our Saviour saith, that the not knowing or believing hereof, is the cause why the world receive not the Spirit, John xiv. 17.

Thirdly, Be constant and diligent in waiting for the having, and for the increase of the gifts of the Spirit, in the holy exercises of religion, as, reading and meditating on the word of God, especially on the