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 37. The Only Safeguard<br />
"To <strong>the</strong> law and to <strong>the</strong> testimony: if <strong>the</strong>y speak not according to this word, it is because<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is no light in <strong>the</strong>m." Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to <strong>the</strong> Scriptures as<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir safeguard against <strong>the</strong> influence of false teachers and <strong>the</strong> delusive power of spirits of<br />
darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work<br />
<strong>the</strong> prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost<br />
efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to<br />
open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvellous works in our sight. So closely will<br />
<strong>the</strong> counterfeit resemble <strong>the</strong> true that it will be impossible to distinguish between <strong>the</strong>m<br />
except by <strong>the</strong> Holy Scriptures. By <strong>the</strong>ir testimony every statement and every miracle must<br />
be tested.<br />
Those who endeavour to obey all <strong>the</strong> commandments of God will be opposed and<br />
derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure <strong>the</strong> trial before <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong>y must<br />
understand <strong>the</strong> will of God as revealed in His word; <strong>the</strong>y can honour Him only as <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. None but those who have fortified <strong>the</strong> mind with <strong>the</strong> truths of <strong>the</strong> Bible will stand<br />
through <strong>the</strong> last great conflict. To every soul will come <strong>the</strong> searching test: Shall I obey God<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on <strong>the</strong> rock of<br />
God's immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of <strong>the</strong> commandments of<br />
God and <strong>the</strong> faith of Jesus?<br />
Before His crucifixion <strong>the</strong> Saviour explained to His disciples that He was to be put to<br />
death and to rise again from <strong>the</strong> tomb, and angels were present to impress His words on<br />
minds and hearts. But <strong>the</strong> disciples were looking for temporal deliverance from <strong>the</strong> Roman<br />
yoke, and <strong>the</strong>y could not tolerate <strong>the</strong> thought that He in whom all <strong>the</strong>ir hopes centered<br />
should suffer an ignominious death. The words which <strong>the</strong>y needed to remember were<br />
banished from <strong>the</strong>ir minds; and when <strong>the</strong> time of trial came, it found <strong>the</strong>m unprepared. The<br />
death of Jesus as fully destroyed <strong>the</strong>ir hopes as if He had not forewarned <strong>the</strong>m. So in <strong>the</strong><br />
prophecies <strong>the</strong> future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to <strong>the</strong> disciples by <strong>the</strong><br />
words of Christ. The events connected with <strong>the</strong> close of probation and <strong>the</strong> work of<br />
preparation for <strong>the</strong> time of trouble, are clearly presented.<br />
But multitudes have no more understanding of <strong>the</strong>se important truths than if <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make <strong>the</strong>m<br />
wise unto salvation, and <strong>the</strong> time of trouble will find <strong>the</strong>m unready. When God sends to<br />
men warnings so important that <strong>the</strong>y are represented as proclaimed by holy angels flying in<br />
<strong>the</strong> midst of heaven, He requires every person endowed with reasoning powers to heed <strong>the</strong><br />
message. The fearful judgments denounced against <strong>the</strong> worship of <strong>the</strong> beast and his image<br />
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