Finishing the Race
Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed … The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigour, was strictly forbidden. For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control. Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.
Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed … The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigour, was strictly forbidden. For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control. Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.
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Chapter 17. Heralds of <strong>the</strong> Morning<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in <strong>the</strong> Bible is that of<br />
Christ's second coming to complete <strong>the</strong> great work of redemption. To God's pilgrim people,<br />
so long left to sojourn in "<strong>the</strong> region and shadow of death," a precious, joy-inspiring hope is<br />
given in <strong>the</strong> promise of His appearing, who is "<strong>the</strong> resurrection and <strong>the</strong> life," to "bring home<br />
again His banished." The doctrine of <strong>the</strong> second advent is <strong>the</strong> very keynote of <strong>the</strong> Sacred<br />
Scriptures. From <strong>the</strong> day when <strong>the</strong> first pair turned <strong>the</strong>ir sorrowing steps from Eden, <strong>the</strong><br />
children of faith have waited <strong>the</strong> coming of <strong>the</strong> Promised One to break <strong>the</strong> destroyer's power<br />
and bring <strong>the</strong>m again to <strong>the</strong> lost Paradise.<br />
Holy men of old looked forward to <strong>the</strong> advent of <strong>the</strong> Messiah in glory, as <strong>the</strong><br />
consummation of <strong>the</strong>ir hope. Enoch, only <strong>the</strong> seventh in descent from <strong>the</strong>m that dwelt in<br />
Eden, he who for three centuries on earth walked with his God, was permitted to behold<br />
from afar <strong>the</strong> coming of <strong>the</strong> Deliverer. "Behold," he declared, "<strong>the</strong> Lord cometh with ten<br />
thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all." Jude 14, 15. The patriarch Job in <strong>the</strong><br />
night of his affliction exclaimed with unshaken trust: "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and<br />
that He shall stand at <strong>the</strong> latter day upon <strong>the</strong> earth: . . . in my flesh shall I see God: whom I<br />
shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not ano<strong>the</strong>r." Job 19:25-27.<br />
The coming of Christ to usher in <strong>the</strong> reign of righteousness has inspired <strong>the</strong> most<br />
sublime and impassioned utterances of <strong>the</strong> sacred writers. The poets and prophets of <strong>the</strong><br />
Bible have dwelt upon it in words glowing with celestial fire. The psalmist sang of <strong>the</strong><br />
power and majesty of Israel's King: "Out of Zion, <strong>the</strong> perfection of beauty, God hath shined.<br />
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence. . . . He shall call to <strong>the</strong> heavens from above,<br />
and to <strong>the</strong> earth, that He may judge His people." Psalm 50:2-4. "Let <strong>the</strong> heavens rejoice, and<br />
let <strong>the</strong> earth be glad . . . before <strong>the</strong> Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge <strong>the</strong> earth:<br />
He shall judge <strong>the</strong> world with righteousness, and <strong>the</strong> people with His truth." Psalm 96:11-<br />
13.<br />
Said <strong>the</strong> prophet Isaiah: "Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as <strong>the</strong> dew<br />
of herbs, and <strong>the</strong> earth shall cast out <strong>the</strong> dead." "Thy dead men shall live, toge<strong>the</strong>r with my<br />
dead body shall <strong>the</strong>y arise." "He will swallow up death in victory; and <strong>the</strong> Lord God will<br />
wipe away tears from off all faces; and <strong>the</strong> rebuke of His people shall He take away from off<br />
all <strong>the</strong> earth: for <strong>the</strong> Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God;<br />
we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is <strong>the</strong> Lord; we have waited for Him, we<br />
will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." Isaiah 26:19; 25:8, 9.<br />
And Habakkuk, rapt in holy vision, beheld His appearing. "God came from Teman, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered <strong>the</strong> heavens, and <strong>the</strong> earth was full of<br />
His praise. And His brightness was as <strong>the</strong> light." "He stood, and measured <strong>the</strong> earth: He<br />
beheld, and drove asunder <strong>the</strong> nations; and <strong>the</strong> everlasting mountains were scattered, <strong>the</strong><br />
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