---

In the Grecian games the uncertainties of every earthly race are symbolised. This uncertainty is one of the saddest aspects of experience. There are laurels for a few winners, but many are the losers. Some nearly win the race, and miss by a hair's-breadth; and many more never glimpse the goal, and yet bravely plod on in their weary disappointed way.

I. MEN MUST RUN. Multitudes can say, not "So run I," but, "So look I on." They are interested in the Christian story; but this is not enough. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." "Almost!" is one of the saddest words in human experience.

II. MEN ADMIT THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE EARTHLY RACE, and so they run with this dread consciousness at their hearts. Who can tell whether health may not fail, just as honours hard-won are heralding reward? What impediments may come in the earthly path from the falsity, greed, or frivolity of others? If you seek apart from God, all is uncertainty! How different is the Christian struggle. Here all who run may obtain the prize. Men of culture and no culture; vigorous or of feeble health — for Christ has promised His own Divine aid to all who, laying hold on His strength, press toward the mark.

III. MEN SLIGHT DISTANT REWARDS. The goal! Let it be now, men say. The world of sense seems at first to have the best of it; but soon there comes the experience, common to all, that worldly reward is transient at the best. Earthly honours fade and wane. Even fame lives in few lives. One of the most renowned commanders of men, when the hour of triumph came, and the whole world seemed marshalled before him, was asked what the spectacle wanted? and he answered, "Permanence!" What a satire on human glory. "All flesh is grass," &c. But so firm is the apostle's faith, that with the heavens opened above him he calls the sons of men to seek the same incorruptible crown. The things we seek are all, like their Divine author, eternal in the heavens! As the voices of the redeemed fall from the celestial heights, they cry, "Not as uncertainly."

IV. MEN WAIT TO BEGIN. There are some who have long been close beside the course, who are hesitating and halting still. Much depends, in life's crucial moments, upon habits of decision of character. So wait I! too many say. But what for? When wilt opportunity be more golden? When will heaven's gates be thrown more widely open? Test the things that are this day more pleasant than God's salvation, and see if they are worthy to be weighed with the soul's immortal weal. Death may be nearer to us than we think.

V. MEN STAY IN THEIR COURSE. Some did run well, but they are hindered. Heroism cools; ardour faints. If religion were one sharp conflict, one martyr sacrifice, then how many would join the ranks? But ever in this sublunary sphere the rewards of earth and time are to the persevering.

AEsop was but a slave, and Homer but a poor man, and Columbus but a weaver, and they all, keeping their eyes on the earthly goal and pressing toward it, gained the prize. So in the immortal sphere — the feeble may become strong, and the last be first, through earnest faith.

(W. M. Statham.)

---

---

KJV: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

WEB: I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air,