"A WREATH OF FLOWERS AND A CROWN OF THORNS."
"They platted a crown of thorns and put it about his head."—Mark. "Let us go forth to Him without the camp, bearing his reproach."—Paul. "I will that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." What do I see? a wreath of flowers
Entwined around a Christian's brow!
No one should let their ransomed powers
Before the shrine of pleasure bow.
Let pretty flowers,
In nature's bowers
Blossom and bud we know not how. It cannot be a tinsel wreath
Becomes a lonely "pilgrim" here;
The hair that flows so fair beneath
Does much more beautiful appear;
God gave it thee
Then let it be
An ornament accounted dear. We know a crown of piercing thorns
Was placed on thy Redeemer's brow;
And does a fancy wreath adorn
Thy head in imitation now?
Can it be so?
Are all to know
That you such vanities allow? There is a day, an awful day,
That comes along with quickened pace,
When "all the proud" (the Scriptures say,)
"Will fall before the Judge's face;"
Though honored here,
They will appear,
To be the subjects of disgrace. No wreath of flowers, no sparkling gems,
No costly robes will then avail;
Nothing secures life's diadem,
Nor saves one from the sinner's wail,
But to possess
Christ's righteousness,
And have our hope within the veil. Then, sister, seek a spirit meek,
Let that thy chief adorning be,
And when the King of glory comes
He will not be ashamed of thee.
Enrobed in white,
In realms of light
Thou wilt the King eternal see.—Sel.