This subject is of peculiar use,
1. For reproof —
[How are they condemned who have never yet begun the Christian race! Do they expect to win the prize without running for it ? This cannot be : " the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent must take it by force." Still more are they condemned who would discourage others that are engaged in the contest. Are they " like-minded " with the Apostle, who are constantly endeavouring to damp the ardour which they will not emulate ? Nor are they less worthy of reproof who have relaxed their diligence in the ways of God. To such Paul says, " Ye did run well ; who hath hindered youm? Yes; inquire diligently who or what hath hindered you : for you had better be stripped of all that you possess, than be impeded by it in your Chi-istian course. Shake off then the thick clay from your feet": put aside the garment that obstructs your progress0: mortify the flesh that pleads for indulgence p : and " run with patience the race that is set before you."]
2. For encouragement —
[Some perhaps are faint, and ready almost to give up the contest. But behold the prize: will not that repay? And is not the attainment of it certain, if you hold on your wayq? Yea more, shall not your strength be renewed, if only you wait upon your Godr? In a few more steps you will reach the goal : and will you stop when the prize is already, as it were, in your hands ? O press forward : follow the Apostle : endure to the end ; and receive " the crown of glory that fadeth not away."]
m Gal. v. 7. n Hab. ii. 6.
0 Heb. xii. 1. EVTrtpiararov afxapriav ; See Beza's note on those words.
p 1 Cor. ix. 24—27. * Matl. xxiv. 13. r Isai. xl. 29—31.