fect life as it exists
in the mind of God, and as it will be realised when these earthly scenes
have passed away; yet it would be truer to say that His interests were in
'first things' rather than in 'last things,' and would be more justly
designated Protology than Eschatology.[29] His mission, so far from
having an iconoclastic aim, was really to 'make all things new.' He was
concerned with the initiation of a new religion, therefore with a
movement towards a regeneration of society which would be virtually a
reign of God in the hearts of men. 'The kingdom of God is within you.'
Not in some spot remote from the world, some beautiful land beyond the
skies, but in the hearts and homes, in the daily pursuits and common
relationships of life must God rule. The beatitudes, while they
undoubtedly refer to a future when a fuller realisation of them will be
enjoyed, have a present reference as well. They make the promise of the
kingdom a present reality dependent upon the inner state of the
recipients. Not in change of environment but in change {137} of heart
does the kingdom consist. The lowly and the pure in heart, the merciful
and the meek, the seekers after righteousness and the lovers of peace
are, in virtue of their disposition and aspiration, already members.

(2) The kingdom as a _gradual development_.--The inward gift prescribes
the outward task. It is a power commanding the hearts of men and
requiring for its realisation their response. It might be argued that
this call to moral effort presented to the first Christians was not a
summons to transform the present world, but to prepare themselves for the
destiny that awaited them in the coming age.[30] It is true that
watchfulness, patience, and readiness are among the great commands of the
New Testament.[31] But admitting the importance of these requirements,
they do not militate against the view that Christians were to work for
the betterment of the world. Christ did not look upon the world as
hopeless and beyond all power of reclaiming; nor did He regard His own or
His disciples' ministry within it as without real and positive effects.
While His contemporaries were expecting some mighty intervention that
would suddenly bring the kingdom ready-made from heaven, He saw it
growing up silently and secretly among men. He took his illustrations
from organic life. Its progress was to be like the seed hidden in the
earth, and growing day and night by its own inh