were graffed contrary to nature into a good olive- tree ; how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive- tree ? If they abide not in unbelief, they shall be graffed in ; for, though we are unable, God is able to graff them in again d." But then, how is this to be accomplished ? it is to be by our means ; (" as for the times and the seasons, we say nothing ; God has reserved them in his own power : ") God has appointed us to seek the salvation of his people ; and has communicated his blessings to us on purpose that we may be his depository to keep them, and his channel to convey them, for their benefit. Hear his own words : " As ye in times past have not be- lieved God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief; even so have these also now not be- lieved, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy*." Let us then address ourselves to the blessed work that God has assigned us. Let us, as God's chosen instruments, endeavour to interest ourselves with him to reinstate them in his favour,, and interest ourselves with them to return unto him. Let us make a conscience of praying for them in secret ; let us devise plans for furthering the com- munication of divine knowledge amongst them ; let us not shrink from labour, or trouble, or expense ; let us not be deterred by any difficulties, or dis- couraged by any disappointments : but let us labour for them, as their forefathers did for us ; let us tread in the steps of the holy Apostles, and be ready to sacrifice time, and interest, and liberty, and life itself, in their service ; and account the saving of their souls the richest recompence that God himself can give us. And, that we may the more effectually provoke them to jealousy, let us shew them that God has done for us as much as he ever did for the patriarchs of old, giving us as intimate an access to him, as firm a confidence in him, and as assured prospects of an everlasting acceptance with him, as ever Abraham himself enjoyed. They are apt to
d Rom. xi. 23, 24. e Rom. xi. 30, 31