Chapter VII.—We Must Strive in Order to Be Crowned.

Wherefore, then, my brethren, let us struggle with all earnestness, knowing that the contest is [in our case] close at hand, and that many undertake long voyages to strive for a corruptible reward;^43684368    Literally, “that many set sail for corruptible contests,” referring probably to the concourse at the Isthmian games. yet all are not crowned, but those only that have laboured hard and striven gloriously.  Let us therefore so strive, that we may all be crowned.  Let us run the straight^43694369    Or, “Let us place before us.” course, even the race that is incorruptible; and let us in great numbers set out^43704370    Or, “set sail.” for it, and strive that we may be crowned.  And should we not all be able to obtain the crown, let us at least come near to it.  We must remember^43714371    Literally, “know.” that he who strives in the corruptible contest, if he be found acting unfairly,^43724372    Literally, “if he be found corrupting.” is taken away and scourged, and cast forth from the lists.  What then think ye?  If one does anything unseemly in the incorruptible contest, what shall he have to bear?  For of those who do not preserve the seal^43734373    Baptism is probably meant. [unbroken], [the Scripture] saith, “Their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be a spectacle to all flesh.”^43744374    Isa. lxvi. 24.