ind it out. One man will find it like a hidden
treasure, as we should say by chance (S. Matt. xiii. 44). So the woman
of Samaria found the long-expected Saviour, when she had only gone to
fill her pitcher at the well (S. John iv. 28, 29). Others will have to
search diligently with the earnest desire to find out "what is truth,"
and the truth will be brought home to their souls only after long and
patient seeking. Like as it happened to S. Paul, who had long been
seeking for "The Pearl," in being more excessively zealous toward God,
but who found it not, until the Voice "Why persecutest thou Me" (Acts
ix. 4) brought him to Jesus Christ. Furthermore, these two Parables
both set forth this truth: that, if men wish to gain the priceless
blessings of "The Kingdom of Heaven," they must be ready, as S. Paul
was, to give up all that they have, and "count all things but loss,
that they may win Christ" (Phil. iii. 8).

The character of "The Kingdom of Heaven" having been thus expressed, we
are carried on in the last Parable of the series--"The Draw-net"--to
the end of this present world. "The Kingdom of Heaven" is described as
catching in its net all, both good and bad, who come within its reach.
But, at the end, the net will be drawn to shore, and the judgment and
separation will be made. The evil will be cast away. The good will be
preserved, and admitted to their reward of joy and glory everlasting
(S. Matt. xiii. 47-49). And "The Kingdom of Heaven" being perfected at
length, and "not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing" (Ephes. v.
27), will be seen as the glorious Kingdom of righteousness and peace
described in the glowing words of prophecy.

Such is the account given by our Blessed Lord of "The Kingdom of
Heaven." In the above Parables we see its nature and character
described, from its foundation to the end of this present world. From
His own words we learn its history. There is, first, the sowing of the
seed; then the apparent spoiling of the design by the intermixture of
evil with the good; then the Kingdom is seen to have a power of rapid
growth and extension, and a leavening influence over the hearts of
men; then its value is declared to be so priceless, that men will give
up all things for its sake; and lastly, we are told of a day when all
evil will be purged out, and it will become a glorious and perfect
Kingdom. But with the exception of this one faint glimpse of
eternity, there is not a word in all these Para