DIAL. XIX.
Verses 23, 24. And they also if they abide not still in vn∣beliefe shall be grafted in for God is able to graft thē in againe. For if thou wast cut out of the Oliue tree, which was wilde by nature, &c.
HOw doth Paul proceede?
Now he addeth a new argument, to beate downe the pride of the beleeuing Romanes, and to teach them humility. It is taken from the hope of the Iewes re∣paration, whose restoring to Christ (howe desperate and forlorn their case may seeme to be,) he prooueth to bee possible in verse 23. also to bee probable and verie likely, verse 24.
Vpon what condition is it possible, and by what rea∣son is it confirmed to be so?
By a reason taken from the power of God, who by his almightines is able to engraft them into the Church on this condition, that they did not remaine in their vnbe∣liefe. As the Gentiles if they fall from the faith may bee cut off, so the Iewes might be planted in, and recouer their dignity of being Gods people, if they did not still conti∣nue vnbeleeuers and contemners of the grace of Christ. Where of it doth not follow, that to doe so is in their owne liberty, but it must come from God, who worketh both the will and deed.