§. 9. Of running our Christian race with patience.
OF the Greek word translated, a 1.1 Run, see Chap. 6. v. 20. §. 158. It is an act, that importeth the best speed that a man can make. Man hath not wings like •…•…owles, to flee: It is by running, that he doth most put forth himself to the speedy attaining of a thing; and in a race especially doth he most manifest his speed by run∣•…•…: a little lazinesse may lose the prize. The Apostle then doth here by this me∣taphor* 1.2 imply, that we may not be slothful in our Christian course: but diligent, earnest, and zealous therein; striving to outstrip others, as runners in a race do. See more hereof, Chap. 4. v. 11. §. 64. and Chap. 6. v. 11. §. 79.
Every one in his Christian course, is like to meet with many Crosses, which may* 1.3 prove, as sharp stones, or stumps in the way; or as briars, and thornes; or as stum∣bling blocks, which may hinder him, & slacken his speed; the Apostle therefore pre∣scribeth the best remedy that can be, to passe them over the more lightly, which is b 1.4 Patience. Hereof see Chap. 6. v. 12. §. 86. and Chap. 10. v. 36. §. 135.
This phrase, Let us c 1.5 run the race, implieth, an holding out in our Christian course, till it be finished. A man may run in a race, and leave off before he come to the Goal: but he that runs the race, holds out till he come to the end thereof: So as to diligence, patience and perseverance must be added.