of God" (S. Mark x.
14). And not only did He declare that little children were the most
suitable to become His subjects; but He said also, that those who were
grown up and wished to enter His Kingdom must become like children to
do so. For He added, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not
receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter
therein" (S. Mark x. 15). And on another occasion He expressed His
thankfulness that only child-like hearts could take in the mysteries
of the Kingdom, saying, "I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and
hast revealed them unto babes" (S. Luke x. 21).

When we read in such passages as these of the difficulty of entering
into "The Kingdom of Heaven," it becomes very important to remember
that the Kingdom was not then set up; and that the words were spoken
with respect to men who had grown up under other conditions and modes
of thought. For whilst the words still apply literally and exactly to
the case of converts from amongst the Heathen, they are not applicable
at all, in the same sense, to persons who have long ago entered "The
Kingdom of Heaven" as children, and have lived under its influence.
Thus, for instance, when we read that "a rich man shall hardly enter
into the Kingdom of Heaven" (S. Matt. xix. 23), there is no need to
suppose that the rich, who have grown up as His subjects, have less
hope of Heaven than others. The temptations which come with riches are
great, but the grace of God will enable His subjects, whether rich or
poor, to serve Him faithfully, if they seek for it. The words clearly
referred to the difficulty which the rich Jew or the rich heathen
would find in declaring himself a subject of Jesus Christ. It is
easier for the poor and the unlearned to become a Christian, than for
the rich and the learned. In after years S. Paul found this to be the
case at Corinth. "Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many
wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called"
(1 Cor. i. 26). And the same thing is still happening in heathen
lands. The chief successes in India have been amongst the low castes
of Tinnevelly, the hard-working Kols of Chota Nagpur, the simple
Karens of the hills of Burma; and amongst the wealthy merchants and
the learned Brahmins converts have been few. Experience confirms the
truth of our Lord's teaching. He declared beforehand, that the rich