The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 317

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

A HIGHER STANDARD 311 which he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete. In referring to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare, Paul emphasized the preparation necessary to the success of the contestants in the race, — the preliminary discipline, the abstemious diet, the necessity for temperance. ''Every man that striveth for the mastery,'^ he declared, ''is temperate in all things." The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers, and by severe and continuous discipline, trained their muscles to strength and endurance, that when the day of the contest should arrive, they might put the heaviest tax upon their powers. How mu<3h more important that the Christian, whose eternal interests are at stake, bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease. All his habits and passions must be brought under the strictest discipline. Reason, enlightened by the teachings of God's word and guided by His Spirit, must hold the reins of control. And after this has been done, the Christian must put forth the utmost exertion in order to gain the victory. In the Corinthian games, the last .few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more zeal and determination than at the first of his course. Paul presents the contrast between the chaplet of fading laurel received by the victor in the foot-