No Cross, No Crown by N. D. Richmond

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 16, 1872

No Cross, No Crown.

By N. D. Richmond

THESE words were suggested to my mind while looking at the engraving, “Cross and Crown.” While the company that were going up the narrow way, with the cross upon their shoulders, were in sight of the prize, the other company, who bore no cross, were going far away from the crown; and the thought came very forcibly to my mind, How necessary that we bear the cross, if we would finally win the prize, and wear the crown.

And in how many ways we may bear the cross. Jesus says, “Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow me.” The first step is to deny self. Now, in what way can we the most effectually do this? Is it not by leaving the world and its pleasures far behind? We may have friends in the world who may wish us to associate with them in worldly pleasure, and it may at times seem very hard to deny ourselves, by refusing to join them in their amusements. But if we really love the Lord, and wish to walk in his footsteps, how easy to deny ourselves, even though it may bring the frown of those we love upon us. And as professed Adventists, looking for the soon coming of our King, how sweet the privilege to bear the cross after him.

Especially have I felt this to be true during the past summer and autumn. My employment has called me from home, and, on account of my wearing the reform dress, I have had the finger of scorn pointed at me, and have heard words of derision spoken by some. Yet I felt that in even this, if I could take up my cross, it was a sweet privilege. Not that I took pleasure in being odd and singular, far from it; but as we understand the health reform is given as a means whereby we may insure to ourselves strong bodies and sound minds, I have felt willing to lay aside the fashions of the world, and, if need be, bear reproach.

The words of Peter have been very comforting at such times. 1 Pet. 4:14: “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

Pardon me for thus speaking of self. I have done it only for the encouragement of others, and to exalt my Saviour and the truth. Let us try to raise the standard high and yet higher. It is a noble work in which we are engaged; and I want and mean to enlist my whole energies in his service. I will try to keep very humble, and work in my little sphere, so that soon it may be said to me with the rest of God’s dear people, Ye have kept my law, stood stiffly for my truth, enter in.

N. D. RICHMOND.

Greenville, Mich.