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would drop dead when about to seize the prize. But the possibility of
lifelong injury or of death was not looked upon as too great a risk to
run for the sake of the honor awarded the successful contestant.
As the winner reached the goal, the applause of the vast multitude
of onlookers rent the air and awoke the echoes of the surrounding hills
and mountains. In full view of the spectators, the judge presented him
with the emblems of victory—a laurel crown and a palm branch to
carry in his right hand. His praise was sung throughout the land; his
parents received their share of honor; and even the city in which he
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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 contes-
tants 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 much 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 races, and the crown of immortal
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glory that will be given to him who runs with triumph the Christian
race. “They do it,” he declares, “to obtain a corruptible crown; but
we an incorruptible.” To win a perishable prize, the Grecian runners
spared themselves no toil or discipline. We are striving for a prize
infinitely more valuable, even the crown of everlasting life. How