thread of uncertain time, which may soon be cut asunder by death?

But to speak plainly, all these are the words of a slothful spirit.
Arise, man! be slothful no longer: set foot, and heart, and all, into
the way of God, and run. The crown is at the end of the race.

Farewell. I wish our souls may meet with comfort at the journey's end.

JOHN BUNYAN.

CHAPTER I.

HEAVEN MUST BE RUN FOR.

SO RUN, THAT YE MAY OBTAIN.--1 Corinthians ix. 24.

Heaven and happiness is that which every one desireth, insomuch that
wicked Balaam could say, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and
let my last end be like his!" Yet for all this, there are but very few
that do obtain that ever-to-be-desired glory, insomuch that many
eminent professors drop short of a welcome from God into this pleasant
place. The apostle, therefore, because he did desire the salvation of
the souls of the Corinthians to whom he writes this epistle, layeth
them down in these words, such counsel, as if taken, would be for
their help and advantage.

First, not to be wicked, and sit still, and wish for heaven; but to
run for it. Secondly, Not to content themselves with every kind of
running; but, saith he, "_So_ run, that ye may obtain."

As if he should say, 'Some, because they would not lose their souls,
begin to run betimes; they run apace, they run with patience, they run
the right way; do you so run. Some run from both father and mother,
friends and companions, and this, that they may have the crown: do you
so run. Some run through temptations, afflictions, good report, evil
report, that they may win the pearl: do you so run. "So run, that ye
may obtain."'

These words are taken from men's running for a wager. A very apt
similitude to set before the eyes of the saints of the Lord. "Know you
not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the
prize? So run, that ye may obtain." That is, 'Do not only run, but be
sure you win as well as run;' "so run, that ye may obtain."

I shall not need to make any great ado in opening the words at this
time, but shall rather lay down one doctrine that I do find in them;
and in prosecuting that, I shall show you, in some measure, the scope
of the words.

The doctrine is this; THEY THAT WILL HAVE HEAVEN, MUST RUN FOR IT.

I say, that they that will have heaven, must run for it. I beseech you
to heed it well. "Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all,
but one receiveth the prize?"