::R4851 : page 204::

NO CROSS, NO CROWN

Oh blessed crown of glory!
Oh crown of righteousness!
Oh crown of life immortal,
How can I thee possess?
In answer to my longing
A voice said, soft and clear,
“The crown is yours, beloved,
If you the cross will bear.”

“What is the cross?” I questioned.
‘Tis bearing every day
The trials which the Father
Permits along the way;
‘Tis sharing the reproaches
Your Master meekly bore,
While those who claim to love him
Revile you, more and more.

The world will look upon you
With disapproving eye;
And friends whom you love dearly
Will coldly pass you by.
They’ll have no patience with you;
Your good works they’ll deride,
And every righteous motive
To you will be denied.

And all the powers of evil
Will gather to assail;
They know your every weakness
And where they might prevail.
They’ll try to overwhelm you
By coming like a flood,
You must with force oppose them,
Resisting unto blood.

The flesh will strive to win you,
Exerting every power,
‘Twill be perpetual warfare
Between you every hour—
A fight that ceases only
When one of you is dead.
It is no easy pathway,
Beloved, that you tread.

And then I answered, “Master,
I’ve counted all the cost;
And deem it highest honor
To bear with Thee the cross.
And I will bear it gladly,
Till it works out in me
That blessed transformation
Which proves me part of Thee.

And when the cross grows heavy,
By faith, I gaze upon
The crown Thou art reserving
For those who overcome—
The crown of great rejoicing,
The crown of righteousness,
The crown of life immortal
I’m striving to possess.

—SISTER DONEY.

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— July 1, 1911 —