Holy Ambition
The famous Battle of Marathon had been fought, in which Miltiades led his little army of ten thousand men against a force of 300,000 Persians. After his glorious victory, Miltiades became for the hour a nation’s idol. Themistocles, then a youth, was observed to be remarkably pensive and sad, refusing to join in his accustomed amusements, and often spending whole nights in thought and wakefulness. When asked the cause of this change in his deportment, he answered, “The trophies of Miltiades will not suffer me to sleep.” His whole soul was possessed with the desire to become similarly distinguished among his countrymen. To this end he bent every purpose of his soul. Scorning fatigue and ease, he planned, and labored, and studied, until he had placed his name high on the scroll of fame. He created a navy, which enabled Greece to cope with Persia on the sea, and to win a glorious and decisive victory over the great leader Xerxes.
Yet what were the perishing honors of Miltiades compared with the glorious crown set before the faithful young soldier of the cross? If a perishing garland of laurel or bay could so fire the heart, what should be the enthusiasm of one who has immortal glory before him? What care, what pains and watchings, are too great to expend for such a prize? If Themistocles could thus give up the follies and pleasures of youth to make himself a strong and valiant soldier, can you not forego whatever would disqualify you from becoming a good soldier of Jesus Christ? There are powerful foes to be met both without and within, and the soldier must be ever at his post.
Yet what were the perishing honors of Miltiades compared with the glorious crown set before the faithful young soldier of the cross? If a perishing garland of laurel or bay could so fire the heart, what should be the enthusiasm of one who has immortal glory before him? What care, what pains and watchings, are too great to expend for such a prize? If Themistocles could thus give up the follies and pleasures of youth to make himself a strong and valiant soldier, can you not forego whatever would disqualify you from becoming a good soldier of Jesus Christ? There are powerful foes to be met both without and within, and the soldier must be ever at his post.
