Page:Race for eternal life.pdf/3

 so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race set before us. Again, says Paul, I so run, not as uncertainly, so fight I, &c.

But observe (1.) That this running is to be understood of the swiftest sort of running, called a fleeing; that we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us, Heb. vi. It is taken from that of Josh. xx. concerning the man that was to flee to the city of refuge, when the avenger of blood was hard at his heels, therefore it is a running for one's life; a running with all might and main.

(2.) This running is called a pressing, “press towards the mark," Phil. iii. 14. which signifies hey that will have heaven, must not stick at any difficulties, but press, crowd, and thrust through all that may stand between heaven and their souls. So run.

(3.) This running is called, in another place, a ontinuing in the way of life. If you continue in he faith grounded and settled, and be not moved way, Col. i. 23. not to run a little now and then, y fits and starts, or half way, or almost thither; ut to run for my life, and to continue to the end f the race, which must be to the end of my life. irst, because many run, yea, run far too, who yet iss of the crown, that stands at the end of the ce. You know, that all who run in a race, do ot win; and so it is here. What, do you think at every professor will have heaven? What, very lazy one, that scarce runneth so fast heaven- ard, as a snail creepeth on the ground ?-2. Be- use the man that runs, if he does not obtain e prize, loses his labour. And ah ! how many ch runners will there be found at the day of