The Steadfastness of the Promises and the Sinfulness of Staggering

IN the first chapters of this epistle, the apostle, from Scripture and the constant practice of all sorts of men of all ages, Jews and Gentiles, wise and barbarians, proves all the world, and every individual therein, to “have sinned and come short of the glory of God;” — and not only so, but that it was utterly impossible that, by their own strength, or by virtue of any assistance communicated, or privileges
enjoyed, they should ever attain to a righteousness of their own that might be acceptable unto God. Hereupon he concludes that discourse with these two positive assertions: — First, That for what is past, “every mouth must be stopped, and all the world become guilty before God, chapter 3:19.