Address —
1. To those who have never yet begun to run — [Were it optional with you whether you would have any
interest in this race or not, we might leave you to your choice : but you are of necessity entered upon the lists, and must have all the shame and misery of failure, if you run not so as to obtain the prize. The loss of heaven is not the sole conse- quence of your sloth : for, if you be not judged worthy of the felicity of heaven, you will receive the doom of the wicked and slothful servant in the torments of hell. Consider then how much time you have lost, how little may yet remain, and what an arduous race you have to run ; and begin immediately, while yet the prize is in your view, and Jesus is ready to assist your feeble efforts.]
2. To those who are halting, or turning aside out of the course —
[Many " run well for a season, and yet, after all, are hindered'^" from pressing forward to the goal. Inquire, my
^ 'A(l)opwvTec. <: 1 Cor. ix. 26. '^ Gal. v. 7.
brethren, whence it is that such a lamentable change has taken place in you ? What is there that will compensate for the loss of the heavenly prize ? It were better far to part with every weight, and every incumbrance, whether friends, or interests, or pleasures of whatever kind, or even with life itself, than to be diverted from your course, or to be retarded in it. Be assured that, as " he who puts his hand to the plough, and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of heaven," so neither can he be, who halts in his Christian race. May God enable you to resume your labours ! and know for your en- couragement, that, if persisted in, " they shall not be in vain in the Lord^"]
3. To those who are resolutely hastening toward the goal —
[Doubtless you are sometimes ready to faint : but look at the cloud of witnesses that are gone before you : look at Jesus in particular, that bright example of all righteousness, and that gracious helper of all his followers. Look too at the prize, the joy that is set before you ; and " have respect unto the recompence of reward :" how richly will that repay you for your persevering exertions ! Methinks you are now come within a short distance of the goal, and thousands of God's dear children, though invisible to you, are looking on, and standing ready to congratulate your success. Press on then a little longer, " forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forth unto that which is before f;" so shall you " finish your course with joy," and " receive the crown of righteousness from the hands of Jesus, your righteous Judges."]
e 1 Cor. XV. 58. f Phil. iii. 13, 14. e 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8.