Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/64

 be far off, never hard to be understood; but always at hand, and always shining with clear light, even as the sun in the midst of heaven.

4. Such was the original of the law of God. With regard to man, it was co-eval with his nature. But with regard to the elder sons of God, it shone in its full splendor, ''or ever the mountains were brought forth, on the earth and the round world were made''. But it was not long before man rebelled against God, and by breaking this glorious law, well nigh effaced it out of his heart; the eyes of his understanding being darkened, in the same measure as his soul was alienated from the life of God. And yet God did not despise the work of his own hands: but being reconciled to man thro' the Son of his love, he in some measure re-inscribed the law, on the heart of his dark, sinful creature. He again shewed thee, O man what is good (altho' not as in the beginning) ''even to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy'' God.

5. And this he shewed not only to our first parents, but likewise to all their posterity, by ''that true light which enlightens every man that cometh into the world''. But notwithstanding this light, all flesh had in process of time ''corrupted their way before him'': till he chose out of mankind a peculiar people, to whom he gave a more perfect knowledge of his law. And the heads