chapters we shall consider the means provided by the
King to enable His subjects to become such as He described them. For
the present, let the thought of our holy calling increase our sense of
the infinite love and mercy of our King.

Let us think of His own description of His work. "The Son of Man is
come to seek and to save that which was lost" (S. Luke xix. 10). When
we were wandering in the ways of sin, ignorant of God our Father, and
unfit to be admitted into our home or to enjoy it if admission were
possible, He came to seek us out and bring us into His Kingdom. And
now that He has "overcome the sharpness of death and opened the
Kingdom of Heaven to all believers," our efforts after holiness are so
imperfect, and our weakness and love of wandering are so great, that
we should be in despair, if our King had not taught us His unceasing
care. But this He has set forth in a well-known series of Parables;
first, under the figure of a shepherd finding a stray sheep and
calling friends and neighbours to rejoice over its recovery; then
under the figure of a woman finding the lost coin; and, lastly, under
the figure of a father welcoming home his prodigal son (S. Luke xv).

Therefore, our position is this. As subjects of "The Kingdom of
Heaven," we are called, according to our Lord's own teaching, to a
high and holy life; and the more we realise this truth the greater do
our imperfections appear, and the clearer becomes our sense of the
need of mercy, as well as help. But the King, who thus described His
subjects, has also described His enduring love; and His invitation,
still and for ever, applies to all who feel their unworthiness: "Come
unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest" (S. Matt. xi. 28).

FOOTNOTE:

[9] See S. Matt. xvi. 18. Pearson on the Creed, p. 336.

CHAPTER V.

THINGS PERTAINING TO THE KINGDOM.

"Now is there solemn pause in earth and heaven;
The Conqueror now
His bonds hath riven,
And Angels wonder why He stays below;
Yet hath not man his lesson learned,
How endless love should be returned."

Hitherto our thoughts about "The Kingdom of Heaven" have been founded
on the teaching of the King respecting His Kingdom recorded in the
Gospels. But we must not forget to give attention to the very
important time in the life of our Lord extending between His
Resurrection and Ascension, during which He appeared to