Doctrine II. giveth hope. For it shows that the kingdom of Heaven is open to all, and closed to none; all are called to the work, even though it be at the last hour. So long as there is life there is hope. Again; this Gospel, at the same time as it shows that none should despair, opposes all sloth and cowardice in undertaking the work of the salvation of the soul. Doctrine III. inflames charity. For it exhibits to us in a remarkable manner the love of the Father towards man; a love which embraces all, and rejects none; a love ready to reward both the righteous and the unrighteous, both the good and the bad, if the unrighteous and bad will but turn from their evil ways, and be converted, that He may heal them. Examples of those called at late stages of life, and yet meriting a reward equal to those who have borne the burden and heat of the day, are afforded by David, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Matthew, and St. Mary Magdalen. Again; by this Gospel all excuse is removed from those who neglect the work of their salvation, for no man can say that he has not been hired, inasmuch as God calls him throughout life; calling him externally and internally,—externally, by the beauty of creation, by the Holy Scriptures, by preaching, by the scourge of afflictions; internally, by shame at sin committed, by fear occasioned by the knowledge of the uncertainty of the hour of death, by dread of judgment, by horror of hell, by promises of absolution, of glory, and by aspirations of love for the mysteries of Redemption. Doctrine IV. induces to humility. For it shows us that no man should puff himself up with spiritual pride, because he may have laboured long in his Lord’s vineyard, or may have been kept free from falling into heinous crimes; by this Gospel he is taught that many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first. “Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.” “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.” Doctrine V. urges to the fear of God, lest by delay in undertaking the work of his conversion, man should neglect the call of God to work, and lest he thereby lose his hire. “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” “Watch ye, therefore, for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly, He find you sleeping.”