2. The general declarations of the Scriptures descriptive of the charac- ter of men, before the advent of Christ, are applicable to men in all ages of the world, because they describe human nature. They declare what fallen man. is. As we recognise the descriptions of the human heart, given by profane writers a thousand years ago, as suited to its present character, so the inspired description suits us, as well as those for whom it was originally intended, vs. 10 — 18.
3. Piety and morality cannot be separated. If men do not understand, if they have no fear of God before their eyes, they become altogether un- profitable, there is none that doeth good, vs. 10 — 12.
4. The office of the law is neither to justify nor to sanctify. It con- vinces and condemns. All efforts to secure the favour of God, therefore, by legal obedience, must be vain, v. 20.
1. As God regards the moral character in men, and as we are all sin- ners, no one has any reason to exalt himself over another. With our hands upon our mouth, and our mouth in the dust, we must all appear as guilty before God, v. 9.
2. The Scriptures are the message of God to all to whom they come. They speak general truths which are intended to apply to all to whom they are applicable. What they say of sinners, as such, they say of all sinners : what they promise to believers, they promise to all believers. They should, therefore, ever be read with a spirit of self-application, vs. 10—18.
3. To be prepared for the reception of the gospel, we must be convinced of sin, humbled under a sense of its turpitude, silenced under a convic- tion of its condemning power, and prostrated at the footstool of mercy, under a feeling that we cannot satisfy the demands of the law, that if ever saved, it must be by other merit and other power than our own, V. 20.