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Eph. 2:13-16. When believing Gentiles were brought into one body with believing Jews. Then was the wild olive grafted into the good olive. This was indeed contrary to nature. In natural husbandry, it is customary to take a bad scion, and graft it into a tree not so good. But God's ways are not as ours; He takes a bad scion, makes it good and puts into a good tree.

4: Who were the natural Branches? Ans. the unbelieving Jews, v.21. God spared not the natural branches. Because of unbelieft they were unfit, and consequently were left out in the formation of the gospel Chh. Yet observe 1^th, that the Chh. is called their own olive tree. Not because, they were ever members of it, for facts would con-

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tradict such an interpreta tion. But the head of the Church, was as to his human nature a Jew; the early converts were Jews; the first preachers were there kindred according to the flesh. Observe 2^ndly. That they shall be grafted in. Not the same identical persons, nor the same generation; but the nation, as a people in the latter days. Which in grafture means their conversion to the faith. Which the Apostle, in this and the following verses, treats upon as a thing easy & likely to be accomplished. According to verse 25^th. there was a mistery; thing heretofore hidden, but which he would have them remain no longer in ignorance. And this is it. Blindness-- -- An awfull darkness is on the mind of the unbelieving Jews, as it respects God -- the Messiah -- -- the Law -- Gospel -- time -- Eternity.

This hath happened; not by chance. But a judicial blindness; a righteous judgement for their

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unbelieft. As it is said in Matt. 13:14,15. And in them is fulfilled the saying of Esaias, -- By Learning ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive; For this people's heart is waxed gross xc. John 12:39,40. Rom. 11: 8,9,10. This not did not happen to every individual of the nation, but for some of them did believe and were constituted into the first gospel Church. A ramnent according to But it happened to a part of the nation. There is a definite period for the continuance of this blindness. "Till the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." That is untill that multitude is completed, which John had a vision of Rev. 7:9. "When the Kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdoms of our God. Rev. 11:15. When the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. ----- ------------- Then all Isreal shall be saved. That is, in the Latter day, the judicial blindness, will be

removed from the nation, and converts from among them, in great multitude will enter the christian Church. And as proof of this, the Apostle alludes to Isa. 59:20. --------- Isaiah said Redeemer, Paul deliverer: For Christ delivers by redemption. Isaiah said shall come to Zion; Paul, come out of H Zion

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It is spoken to the commendation of those, who embraced the truth of on the day of pentecost, that they continued "steadfast in the Apostles' doctrine," while And such, who brought in caused division, & offence, contrary to the doctrine", who are were irregular in their proceedings," who are were carried with diverse winds & doctrines, were to be marked & noted as persons, who acted contrary to the received doctrine of the Apostolic Churches. Acts 2:42. Rom. 16:17. Eph. 4:14.

If a brother was a servant, he must show good fidelity, that he might adorn the doctrine of God. 2 Tim. 4:3. Titus. 2:10.

From the frequent reference to the doctrine, we may well conclude, that the Apostolic Churches were required to be

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united in judgement, and to speak the same things in Doctrine. -----

Again, It is a Union in the Order of the Chh. There was an order to be observed in the Apos. Chhs. and consiquently to be imitated by other Churches. Thus all things were to be "done decently & in Order;" "Things were to be set in order" at Crete"; Paul rejoiced to behold the order of the Colossians. 1 Cor. 14:40. Titus 1:15 Col. 2:5. This consisted, as we may infer from the scriptures, in having proper officers, Right observance of the Ordinances, the exercise of Christian Graces, and maintainance of good works. Titus 2:5. Eph. 4:11. 1 Cor. 11:2. [Phil.] 4:8. Eph. 2:10. Titus 3:8.

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It is also a union in the discipline; For an important part of the duty of a Church, is to mark those, who cause divissions & offenses; to hear & determine complaints; To rebuke, admonish, censure, reclaim or expel. Rom. 16:17. 2 Thess. 3:14,15. Matt. 18:16,17. 2 Cor. 13:1. 1 Tim 5:20. 2 Cor. 2:6. Gal. 5:1. 1 Cor. 5:11. 2 Thess. 3:6.

II I now consider the motives for cherishing this union.

1^th The professed relationship subsisting. "Brethren". I, who am your Brother, beseech you, who are brethren to me, and to each other, xc. So Abram dealt with Lot; Gen. 13:8. --- "We are brethren". So Joseph with his brethren; Gen. 45:24. --- Fall not out by the way Ps. 133:1. Behold, how good ---