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Sketches from the Life of Paul
statesmen. Persons of rank and wealth engaged in these exercises, and
shrank from no effort or discipline necessary to obtain the honor won
by the victors.
The contest was governed by strict regulations, from which there
was no appeal. Before the names of candidates could be entered upon
the list as competitors for the prize, they were required to undergo
a severe preparatory training. Every indulgence of appetite, or other
gratification which could in the least affect their mental or physical
vigor, was strictly forbidden. The muscles were kept strong and supple.
Every nerve must be under control, every movement certain, every
step swift and unswerving, and all the powers kept up to the highest
mark, to give any hope of success in the grand trial of strength and
speed.
As the contestants in the race made their appearance before the
eager and waiting crowd, their names were heralded, and the rules of
the race expressly stated. The prize was placed in full view before
the competitors, and they all started together, the fixed attention of
the spectators inspiring them with zeal and determination to win. The
judges were seated near the goal, that they might watch the race from
its beginning to its close, and award the prize to the victor. If a man
came off victorious through taking any unlawful advantage, the prize
was not awarded to him.
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Great risks were run in these contests; it was not unusual for one
of the contestants to drop dead as he was about to seize the prize
in triumph. But this was not considered too great a risk to run for
the sake of the honor awarded to the conqueror. As he reached the
goal, shout after shout of applause from the vast multitude rent the air
and wakened the echoes of the surrounding hills and mountains. The
judge, in full view of the spectators, presented him with the emblems
of victory, the perishable laurel crown, and a palm branch to carry in
his right hand. This crown was worn by the victor with great pride.
His praise was extravagantly heralded, and sung throughout the land.
His parents received their share of honor, and even the city where he
lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.
Paul presents these races as a striking figure of the Christian war-
fare: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one
receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that