Who Shall Wear the Crown?
'Tis not the mighty ones of earth,
That proudly boast of noble birth,
Whose chief delight is wine and mirth,
Ambitious for the applause of earth—
The crown, they 'll never wear it. Nor yet the thoughtless and the gay
Who love to walk in folly's way,
Regardless what they do or say,
Baubles that sparkle for a day,
They too will never wear it. Those saints (by name) who lightly tread
Beneath their feet that holy Word,
At fashion's shrine who meekly nod
Lovers of pleasure, more than God—
How can they hope to wear it ? But those who choose the narrow road,
That once their Saviour's footsteps trod,
Nor faint beneath the chastening rod,
Their rule of life, the word of God,
They, they alone, shall wear it. Poor pilgrim, weary sad and worn,
Faithful the ills of life thou'st borne,
Patiently waited His return,
The Master hastens with thy crown—
Take cheer, thou soon shalt wear it. Oh drowsy Christian, why delay !
Up, to thy labor, watch and pray ;
No sleep, no slumber, by the way ;
For fear thy coming Judge shall say
The crown—thou ne'er shalt wear it.