THE CROWN

 

NOVEMBER 9

THE CROWN

"In that day shall the LORD of hosts
  be for a crown of glory, and
  for a diadem of beauty,
  unto the residue of his people.”
          Isaiah 28:5
 

Everything "in the better land" is in harmony:
  If we have an inheritance,
    it contains a city;
  if we dwell in a city,
    we shall live in a mansion;
  if we live in a mansion,
 we will wear white robes;
  and if we wear white robes,
 we will have a crown.
 

Not a crown of myrtle, or laurel or bay,

  like those awarded in the Grecian games; 

  but a diadem, a gemmed crown.

Their crown is called "a crown of righteousness;"

  because the righteousness of Jesus purchased it, 

  and being graciously promised to the overcomer, 

  God in righteousness confers it.

It is called "a crown of life;"

  it will be the crown of an endless existence; 

  that which sheds luster and glory up on it. 

It is promised to all who patiently endure, 

  and perseveringly overcome the temptations 

     of the present state.

It is called also "a crown of glory;"

  "When the chief Shepherd shall appear, 

   ye shall receive a crown of glory 

       that fadeth not away."

Men strive for a corruptible crown,

   but we an incorruptible. 

Never were such crowns seen,

  as those which Jesus will place 

  on the heads of his people; and they, 

  as if they felt unworthy to wear them, 

  will, in the ardor of their devotion, 

  cast them at his feet.

As if crowns of glory were alone fit to form 

  a pavement for the feet of the Lamb to walk on!

What will it be to wear a crown of righteousness, 

  a crown of life, 

    a crown of glory, 

       an incorruptible crown?

We must enjoy it, to know it; 

  and blessed be God, 

  through free and sovereign grace, 

  we hope to finish the good fight, 

  to endure temptations and 

  to fill up the character assigned us, and 

  then receive from the hands, 

  the once nail-pierced hands of Jesus,

  our crown, and wear it to his praise forever.

The circlets of righteousness, life, and glory, 

  will forever adorn those brows, 

  which were not ashamed to confess Christ, 

  and help forward his cause on earth.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: 

  for when he is tried, he shall receive 

  the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised 

  to them that love him."           James 1:12

 JAMES SMITH 1869