bles respecting what we
commonly understand by the term "Heaven." "The Kingdom of Heaven" is
here on earth, and belongs to this present time. It was the will of
our Lord to describe His Kingdom as we know it, in its present
imperfect state here on earth, in which men have temptations and
duties, as well as great privileges and blessings. Whilst of the
future condition of His Kingdom in glory, very little has been
revealed.

But besides this general description of "The Kingdom of Heaven," we
find other Parables which describe various circumstances relating to
the rejection of the Kingdom by the unbelieving, or affecting the
position of those who have become its subjects.

For instance, the Apostle Peter was doubtful how often a brother
should be forgiven, and our Lord spoke the Parable of "The Unmerciful
Servant," teaching that the subjects of His Kingdom, being themselves
in a state of forgiveness, would forfeit all their blessings if they
did not unreservedly forgive their brethren. The debt of sin which
the King has already forgiven His subjects, in admitting them into a
state of salvation, is as it were "ten thousand talents." The debt
incurred by any offending brother is but as "an hundred pence" in
comparison (S. Matt. xviii. 21-35).

Again, in the Parable of "The Labourers in the Vineyard" He taught
that the subjects of His Kingdom must not grudge one against another,
if a rebel or one who has been neglecting his duty all his life turns
and is accepted at the last. The King cannot do otherwise than what is
right. "At the eleventh hour" a labourer may be taken on, and receive
his reward. And, on the other hand, one who might have been first in
the Kingdom of glory and reward may fall away through an evil spirit
of self-glorification, and become last of all (S. Matt. xx. 1-16).

Three Parables follow which were spoken with special reference to the
Jewish rulers, the Priests, and Scribes, and Pharisees. The first of
these--the Parable of "The Two Sons"--seems to have been spoken to win
them over to a knowledge of their sin and danger, and, if it might be
possible, to induce them to accept the Gospel of God, and to enter the
Kingdom. The Son in the Parable who at first said, "I will not,"
"afterward repented and went." Even so, the bold and open
transgressors of the law were being won over to repentance, and were
entering in. But the second son who said, "I go Sir, and went not,"
professed a ready obedience and t