Would it begin soon
or in a thousand years?

John said; "How long have you been with Him?"

"Seven weeks."

"And you don't know yet where the Kingdom of Heaven is? Then you do
not understand His language."

"He speaks the language of our fathers."

"He speaks the language of the Kingdom of God. Remember, the Kingdom
of Heaven is where God is. God is where Love is, where trustful,
self-sacrificing, glad Love is."

"And where is that?"

"Where do you think?"

"I think Love must be in the heart."

Whereupon John answered: "Then you do know where the Kingdom of Heaven
is."

The two looked at each other, but did not quite seem to know. Then
John went to Jesus, who was sitting on a rock and looking out into the
darkness as if it was full of visions. His countenance was as bright
as if the stars had lent it their brilliance.

"Master," said John, "we cannot sleep. Tell us of the Kingdom of
Heaven."

Jesus turned round, and pointing to the disciple nearest him, said: "To
you is it granted to know the Kingdom of Heaven. To the others it can
only be explained through parables. For the Kingdom of God is not
built of wood or stone like a temple, it cannot be conquered like an
earthly empire, it cannot be seen by mortal eyes like a garden of
flowers, neither can we say it is here or there. The Kingdom of God
must be conquered with the power of the will, and he who is strong and
constant will gain it. His eye and his hand must be continually set to
the plough which makes furrows in the kingdom of earth for the great
harvest. He who sets his hand to the plough, and looks at something
else, he is not dedicated to the Kingdom of God. But to him who
earnestly seeks it, it comes overnight. The seed thrown on the field
yesterday has sprung up--man knows not how. The seed is the Word of
God which was scattered on all sides. Part falls on the wayside, and
the birds devour it. Part falls among thorns, and is choked. A part
falls on a thin covering of earth, it comes up but is parched by the
hot sun. Only a very small quantity falls on rich earth and bears much
fruit. So it is with the tidings of God. Evil inclinations devour it,
earthly cares choke it, burning passions parch it, but the heart that
desires God receives it, and with him the word becomes the Kingdom of
Heaven."

More and more heads were lifted up. "He is speaking." Then all
bestirred themselves and listened.

Jesus raised His voice and