Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 171
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164 LIFE OF PAUL . Great riskswere run in thesecontests; itwas notunusualfor one of the contestantsto drop dead as he was about to seizethe prizeintriumph . But thiswas not consideredtoogreatarisk to run for the sake of the honor awarded to the conqueror. As he reachedthe goal, shout aftershoutof applausefrom thevastmultituderent the air and wakened the echoes of the surrounding hillsand mountains. The judge, in fullview of the spectators, presentedhim with the emblems of victory, the perishablelaurel crown,and a palm branch to carryinhisright hand . This crown was worn by the victorwith greatpride. His praisewas extravagantlyheralded,and sungthroughouttheland. Hisparents receivedtheirshareof honor, and even thecity where he livedwas heldin high esteemforhavingproducedso greatan athlete.Paulpresentstheseracesas a strikingfigure of the Christianwarfare: " Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,but one receiveththeprize? So run,thatye may obtain. And everyman thatstrivethfor the masteryistemperatein allthings. Now theydo ittoobtaina corruptiblecrown;but we an incorruptible.' " To run the Christiancoursein triumph,itis asnecessaryforus toexercisefortitude,patience, and self-denial, as it was for the contestantsin the games and racesof the Greeks and Romans . Like them the Christian must not allow his attentiontobe attractedby the spectators,nor diverted by amusements, luxuries, or loveof ease. All hishabitsand passionsmust bebroughtunderthe strictestdiscipline. Reason, enlightenedby the teachingsofGod'sword,andguidedby hisSpirit, mustholdthereinsofcontrol. Everyhindrance