1. A hope of gaining the prize — [This is manifestly implied in his words: and such a hope is the main spring of activity to every Christian that is under heaven. The Apostle well knew, how infinitely an unfading crown of glory surpasses the perishable chaplets that were awarded to the victors in the different games. He could not endure the idea, that others should take so much pains to obtain a corruptible crown, which yet only one would win; and that he himself should be remiss in seeking an incorruptible crown, which all who contended earnestly for it must obtain. The securing of this he felt to be the one thing needful; and therefore he determined to make it the one object of his ambition.]
2. A fear of losing it —
[The person who executed the office of herald in the different games, introduced others, and encouraged them to the contest, but did not contend himself. But the Christian herald, who stirs up and encourages others to engage in the race or combat, must himself both run and fight : and, if he do not engage with his whole heart, however he may have animated others, he himself will not be deemed worthy of the
^ This seems to be implied in U7rw7rir(;w /'ov ro (Tw/xa.
prize. Now the Apostle felt that the same exertions were necessary for him as for all others ; and that peculiar guilt and shame would attach to him, if he, after having preached successfully to others, should at last fail of success himself. On this account therefore he laboured to " destroy the whole body of sin." He was conscious that the smallest advantage gained by his bodily appetites might be attended with the most fatal consequences ; and therefore he strove to " mortify his earthly members," and to " crucify his flesh with its affec- tions and lusts."]
Address —
1. Those who are satisfied with the name and pro- fession of Christianity —
[Were such a life as yours sufficient to obtain the prize, there were no propriety in such figures as the Apostle has used in the text. Be assured, that, if St. Paul found such exertions necessary for himself, they are no less so for you : and, that if he could not get to heaven without them, much less can you.]
2. Those who have relaxed their exertions —
[It is not the beginning well, but the enduring to the end, that will avail to the saving of the soul. Some indeed will say, " Once a child of God, and always so :" but God warns you, that if any man turn back, his soul shall have no pleasure in him. It is only by a patient continuance in well- doing that you can obtain the glory and honour and immor- tality which you profess to seek for. The labour that has been bestowed upon you is all in vain, if you do not maintain your steadfastness even to the end. " Be not weary there- fore in well-doing; for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not."]
3. Those who are discouraged through apprehen- sions of failure —
[Well might all be discouraged, if success depended on our own strength. But " God has laid help upon One that is mighty ;" and it is our privilege to be " strong in the Lord and in the power of his might." However weak therefore yoii yourselves are, and however powerful your enemies, you have no reason to despond, since, " through the strength of Christ you can do all things."]
4. Those who are " contending earnestly for the faith" and practice of the Gospel —
[You know not indeed the precise measure of your course : but it is pleasing to reflect, that it may very soon be