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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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The palaces of popes and prelates were scenes of <strong>the</strong> vilest debauchery. Some of <strong>the</strong><br />

reigning pontiffs were guilty of crimes so revolting that secular rulers endeavoured to<br />

depose <strong>the</strong>se dignitaries of <strong>the</strong> church as monsters too vile to be tolerated. For centuries<br />

Europe had made no progress in learning, arts, or civilization. A moral and intellectual<br />

paralysis had fallen upon Christendom. The condition of <strong>the</strong> world under <strong>the</strong> Romish power<br />

presented a fearful and striking fulfillment of <strong>the</strong> words of <strong>the</strong> prophet Hosea: "My people<br />

are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject<br />

<strong>the</strong>e: . . . seeing thou hast forgotten <strong>the</strong> law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."<br />

"There is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in <strong>the</strong> land. By swearing, and lying,<br />

and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, <strong>the</strong>y break out, and blood toucheth<br />

blood." Hosea 4:6, 1, 2. Such were <strong>the</strong> results of banishing <strong>the</strong> word of God.<br />

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