so far helped already, that we have been
placed upon the narrow way that leadeth unto life; and though
temptations of many kinds assail to entice us from the road, and
though the difficulties of the way are great, we have the hope to
encourage us, that, if we are in earnest, the grace of God the Holy
Ghost will preserve us, that we may be welcomed at last as faithful
subjects, and admitted into the Kingdom of Glory.

But at the same time we must remember that, in another sense, the
words about the difficulty of entering "The Kingdom of Heaven" still
apply to ourselves. For we have been admitted as subjects of the
Kingdom, only that we may loyally serve our King; and we have been
placed upon the narrow way, only that we may struggle up the steep
ascent to Heaven. "The Kingdom of Heaven" is as yet in an imperfect
condition here on earth. Here we are in a state of trial and
probation, as well as of grace and blessing. And a day will come when
the Kingdom of Grace will become the Kingdom of Glory. Then, they who
have served their King, and proved themselves in the time of their
trial to be His faithful soldiers and servants, will be welcomed into
the joy of their Lord. But they who have professed to be His subjects,
and have been satisfied with a mere profession, will cry, "Lord, Lord"
(S. Matt. vii. 22-23), in vain.

Therefore, our King still cries to us, as to His hearers before the
Kingdom was set up, "Strive to enter in" (S. Luke xiii. 24). He still
bids us build "upon the Rock," by being "doers of the word, and not
hearers only" (S. James i. 22). And He still warns us of the dangers
of riches; "The love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim. vi.
10). For we have still to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of
the world" (S. Matt. v. 13, 14). And the standard which He has set us
is still, and ever will be, far above us; "Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect" (S. Matt. v. 48).

The teaching of our Lord about His subjects is thus seen to correspond
with what His Apostles, in time to come, taught their converts when
they addressed them, as "called to be saints" (Rom. i. 7, Ephes. i. 1,
etc.). We know that the world would like to find some easier course
than this. But it is impossible; because the subjects of "The Kingdom
_of_ Heaven" are called that they may be ready for the life _in_
Heaven. And "without holiness no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. xii.
14).

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