these two passages, we may be well assured. The question is, how to reconcile them ? In order to this, I would observe, that, in my apprehension, the word ' fulness ' is not to be understood of a complete and universal change in either case, but only of the com- mencement of the two periods referred to. The com- mencement of a work amongst the Gentiles will in- troduce the in-gathering of the Jews : and in like manner, when once the Jews shall begin generally to be converted to the faith, they will be the means of awakening the great body of the Gentiles, and of bringing them also into the fold of Christ x. But, in many parts of the earth, the Gentiles, through the unprecedented dissemination of the word of God, and the multitude of missions established among them, are already beginning to experience the blessings of the Gospel ; and therefore we may well conceive, that the period for the conversion of the Jews also is near at hand. And the man who most earnestly desires the salvation of the Gentiles ought, on his own principles, to be the warmest friend to the Jews.
An idea prevails with some, that the Jews are to be converted by miracle; and, that it is presumptuous in us to attempt so great a work. But this is alto- gether a mistake. They are to be converted precisely in the same way as they were in the first ages, and as the Gentiles also were ; namely, by the mi- nistration of the Gospel. Let any one examine the prophetic writings, and he shall find that there is no difference whatever between the conversion of the Jews and the calling-in of the Gentiles at the latter day; except, indeed, that the Jews shall be gathered in first, and be God's instruments for the conversion of the Gentile world. The fulness, both of one and of the other, shall be brought in ; and be, though not perfectly simultaneous, yet as nearly so as the rejection of the Jews and the calling of the Gentiles
x This interpretation makes the import of the word ' fulness' the same in both passages ; and, in the author's opinion, it is the most plain and simple.