St. Paul says, “I press toward the mark;” alluding to the mark, or line, drawn across the end of the course, to shew where it terminated. The end of our course is death; that is the mark, to which we must constantly press; never, till we reach it, can our striving be over, can the victory be gained. If we perceive ourselves languishing or weary, if the enemy of our souls would tempt us, as he undoubtedly will do, to indolence or repose, let us instantly pray to our Almighty Father, for a double portion of His Holy Spirit, and he will enable us to renew our vigour, and maintain our stedfastness. Yea, though the race be so protracted, that our limbs may be growing feeble with age, and our vital energies decaying, still we shall be inspirited with a courage and strength, that will be found abundantly sufficient; and as we near the end, our hopes will rise, and our prospect will brighten; the weakness of nature will be assisted and compensated by a merciful increase of faith; and we shall press onward, through the latter part of the trial, with holier confidence and fuller expectation. And all this, “for the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.” What was it, that led the people of former days, to enter into the list, and engage in the race? Why were they content to undergo such previous hardships and privations, in order to qualify them for the task? Why did they exert themselves in the contest, so laboriously and painfully, as if willing to sacrifice their lives in the struggle? It was for a little crown of withering leaves; for the honour of their countrymen’s applause; and the approval of their families and friends. How then do they put to shame the negligent and indifferent christian; him that refuses to train and labour for the conflict of life, for the cause of salvation! What is our prize? what are our objects? “an incorruptible crown,” a “crown of glory that fadeth not away;” an eternal inheritance in the heavens; the approbation of all good men; the welcome acclaim of a “multitude of angels which no man can number;” the approval, the everlasting reward of the Judge of our christian race. Are not these objects worthy of our supreme regard? Is not this worth contending for? Does it not demand all our attention, all our anxiety, all our watchfulness and diligence and labour? Should not our whole soul be devoted thereto? Ought it not to be, comparatively speaking, the sole purpose, for which we care to live and hope to die?