256 Sincere Obedience the bill Preparation. SERM. matters of the law. They indulged them- X. felves in pride and covetoufnefs, and other i^'~) vices, which fo darkened their underfland. ings, and hardened their hearts, that they could not perceive, nor would affent to the truth which is after godlinefs and virtue. But tho' this was immediately fpoken to the Jews, and the qualification required in them for judging of the truth and divine au- thority of the chriflian dotrine, was doing the will of God revealed by Mofes and the prophets ; yet it holds equally with refpeft to all others, not only that obeying fincerely a former acknowledged revelation, will bell prepare men for judging of a pretended new one, whether it be real or not : But they who never had any, by doing what the light of nature difcovers to be the will of God, are in the bell condition, indeed the only fure way, to know a doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether the teacher fpeaks of himfelf. It is certain that God manifefls himfelf to all mankind, by the light of nature and rea- fon. This is his original voice, whereby we are taught the great principles of religion, his being, his perfe &ions, his providence, and the homage and obedience we owe him. The
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