Rules of the Game

An unknown chaplain is credited with being the author of this letter, addressed to a young man about to enter the arena of life.

I am giving you the ball, Son, and naming you the quarterback of your team in the game of life. I am your coach, so I’ll give it to you straight.

There is only one schedule to play. It lasts all your life, but only consists of only one game. It is a long game with no time out and no substitutions. You play the whole game – all your life – all the time.

You’ll have a great backfield. You’re calling the signals, but three other fellows in the backfield with you have great reputations. They are named Faith, Hope and Charity.

You’ll work behind a truly powerful line. End to end, it consists of Honesty, Loyalty, Courage, Devotion-to-Duty, Self-Respect, Cleanliness, and Disciplining.

The goal posts are the gate of Heaven.

God is the referee and sole official. He makes all the rules and there is no appeal from them.

There are ten rules. You know them as the Ten Commandments, and you play them as you know them in accordance with your own religion.

There is also an important ground rule. It, “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

Here is the ball. It is your immortal soul! Hold fast to it. Now, Son, get it in there and let’s see what you can do with it.

They Played The Game and Played it Well.

“Marshall’s Sons”