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This parable describes the progressive influence of the truth of God within the heart, and also without in the world. Leaven works strongly, so does the Word on the thoughts and feelings. It works silently; so does the gospel secretly diffuse its influence through the soul. Leaven works permanently, imparting qualities which remain fixed in the substance which it penetrates.

I. THE BIBLE STATES THAT THE WHOLE "WORLD IS TO BE "LEAVENED BY THE TRUTH OF GOD (Psalm 22:27, 28).

II. THE BIBLE WHICH CONTAINS THIS HEAVENLY TRUTH IS ADMIRABLY FITTED FOR UNIVERSAL DIFFUSION.

1. It is a Divine authority.

2. It speaks to the heart of man.

3. It prescribes to man his duty in every possible station and relation in which he can be placed.

4. It is a bond of union.

5. It inspires and fills the heart with hope.

III. LITTLE HAS YET BEEN DONE FOR LEAVENING THE WORLD WITH TRUTH.

IV. WHY HAS NOT MORE BEEN DONE FOR THE LEAVENING OF THE WORLD WITH TRUTH.

V. HOW SHALL WE PREPARE TO DO MORE THAN HAS YET BEEN DONE FOR LEAVENING THE WORLD WITH TRUTH.

VI. NEVER WILL THE CHURCH MAKE SUCCESSFUL EFFORT FOR THE LEAVENING OF THE WORLD WITH TRUTH UNTIL EVERY CHILD UNDER HER CARE BE EDUCATED WITH A VIEW TO THIS NOBLE OBJECT.

(W. B. Kirkpatrick.)

I. THE ELEMENTS WHICH ARE HERE BROUGHT TOGETHER.

1. The first of these may be considered as representing human nature. The parable represents the possibility of man's restoration.

2. The second element used in this parable may be regarded as an emblem of the gospel. The gospel, when compared to the world, exhibits an amazing disproportion(1) as to quantity. The leaven is small in proportion to the meal. The small origin of the gospel in contrast with the mighty change effected by it;

(2) the contrast as to quality. There is a natural adaptation in the one element to the other, the one is moist, the other dry; this is favourable to the process. So in the gospel there is moral adaptation.

(3) A contrast as to their influence. We might despise the hiding of the leaven as trivial; but the result is seen. The progress of the gospel irresistible.

II. THE MODE OF OPERATION BY WHICH THIS RESULT ENSUES.

1. These elements must be brought into actual contact.

2. The operation is gradual.

3. It is invisible.

4. It is irresistible.

III. THE FINAL PROGRESS AND TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL.

1. That all analogy leads us to expect its universal progress.

2. This is the purpose of God.

3. This is the burden of prophecy.

4. The musings of holy men on the future glory of the Church point in this direction.

5. The prayers of the pious refer to this event.

6. This result is highly desirable.

7. The Spirit of God is fettered by no analogy, His influence may be signally exerted.

(T. Smith.)

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KJV: Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

WEB: He spoke another parable to them. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened."