Did we but bear in mind this mysterious truth, methinks it would be impossible for us to view a Jew and not weep over him, and pour out our souls in fervent intercession for him, and labour to the uttermost to effect his restoration to the Divine favour.]
3. Is there not also abundant encouragement for our exertions ?
[That " God is able to graff in again " the natural branches, we can have no doubt. And is he not engaged to do so, by promise and by oath? Why, then, do we not seek to be instrumental in this blessed work? If we believe that they are yet " beloved of God" should we not make them objects of our love ? Come, let us do this : let us say with ourselves, ' God helping me, I will never cease to work, till I have been instrumental in grafting in again some one branch. I see that there is nothing but unbelief that separates them from God ; and I will, by every means in my power, endeavour to convince one, that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour of the world.' Would we but all adopt this resolution, and implore help from God to carry it into effect, what might we not hope for in the space of a few years ? Surely God would hear the united prayers of his people, and favour their united efforts with success. If only we would " give him no rest," and " take no rest ourselves," till we had succeeded in our efforts, we should soon prevail, and behold Jerusalem once more a praise in the earth f."]g
f Isai. lxii. 1,6, 7.
e If there be a collection in aid of their conversion, the audience might be urged to shew the measure of their love by the extent of their donations.