Figuratively, also, the crown. is spoken of in the Divine word. In this sense, the crown signifies honour, splendour, or dignity. Read Sam. v., 16. There the weeping prophet is pouring out unto God a pitiful complaint of Zion. The glory and honour had departed from her. Then turn to Philippians iv., 1, and see what the great Gentile apostle has recorded respecting "the saints in Christ Jesus, which were at Philippi." They were exhorted "to stand fast." They were his "joy and crown," meaning that they-those Philippians were his honour and glory, the seals to his apostolic labours.

Another Scripture reference to the crown as a reward is frequently made. A crown of leaves or herbs was always bestowed on the victor at the public games. St. Paul twice alludes to this fact, 1 Cor., ix. 25, and 2 Tim., ii. 5. The wrestlers in the Olympic and Isthmian games were rewarded with crowns of laurel or olive leaves. These were perishable, and soon faded. St. Paul wanted the Corinthians to strive and wrestle for that " inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away." He also speaks of "a crown of righteousness," which he knew God would give him, because "he had kept the faith," and "fought a good fight." The apostle James, when writing to the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad, and exhorting them to rejoice under the cross, endeavours to stimulate them with the cheering intelligence that the Lord had promised" a crown of life" to all that love Him. St. Peter, also, says that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, He will give to His sheep "a crown of glory that would never fade." St. John the Divine, the last inspired writer, in his grand and symbolical book of the Revelations alluded often to the crown as a sign of victory, of the absolute sovereignty of Christ, and as a reward to the faithful follower of the Lamb. In chapter xix., 12, "Jesus had on His head many crowns." What a sublime contrast to the time when he was in the Prætorium crowned with thorns! Alleluia! "The head that once was crowned with thorns

Is crowned with glory now."

Throughout the "precious Bible, book divine," the references to crowns are numerous, varied, and always beautiful.

66

Though laurel crowns, and victors' wreaths

Be for the sons of triumph turned,"

yet, in this volume, God's great gift to fallen humanity, we are individually told that

"There's a deathless coronet

Wrought for the holy and the wise."

By way of conclusion, dear reader, when you are called "To lay down the shield, and girt the sword,"

will it be your happy portion for

Angelic guards to wait with the day,
Thy crown of light to bring,"

and for you to shout, with rapture,

"O grave, where is thy victory;

O death, where is thy sting."

It may be so, yea, it will be so, if thou hast bravely upheld thy shield, and wielded thy sword in the path of conquest, following ever and anon the blood-stained banner of Calvary. If you have thus fought, you have only to pass the stream. On the other side of Jordan lies the conquered land of glory." Forward, then! until the time comes when the command will be issued out of Heaven

Soldier, lay thy weapons down,

Quit the sword, and take the crown,

Triumph all thy foes are banished;
Death is slain, and earth has vanished."

May writer and reader thus fight, and win the day, by

the help of God. Amen.

ANNIE E. PORTNALL.

ENIGMA XXX.

What bishop of Rochester rather would die,
Than with Henry's supremacy basely comply?
What martyr of Antioch yields up his breath,
By Trajan's command, to a violent death?
What pleasing historian, "Attica's Bee,"
As a gen'ral conducted the Greeks to the sea,
When lur'd by young Cyrus, to Persia they went,
And their chiefs were betray'd in a base Satrap's tent?
What learn'd Dutchman's figure in Rotterdam stands,
With the Bible, the best of all books, in his hands?
And tell me what tyrant of Sicily made

His fair daughters follow a barber's mean trade?
What ancient philosopher humbly confest

The nature of God he could never attest?

What proud king of Rome was exil'd from his throne,
For his own flagrant vices and those of his son?

Who taught great Eliza the use of her quill,

And her classical studies directed with skill?

In the reign of James the First, whose life was cut short,
To meet the demands of a base Spanish court?

And what brave German duke in battle was slain,
When fighting, that William of Orange might reign?
These persons discovered, their names you must write,
And place their initials directly in sight;

And then, I am certain, one glance of your eye
Will tell you my riddle refers to the sky.

Bath.

KEY TO ENIGMA No. 28.

Southampton.
I slip.

Rouen.

Iceland.

U sneach.

Sicily.

Making the enigmatical word Sirius.

The following correspondents have answered correctly, D. E. Carr, Felkington; Emily Smith, Bath; and W. Brass, Bath.

KEY TO ACROSTIC IN MARCH.

Mint, Matthew xxiii. 23.

O x, Isaiah i. 3.

Sardonyx, Revelations xxi. 20.

E phraim, Genesis xli. 52.

S tork, Jeremiah viii. 7.

Several very creditable attempts were made to answer this acrostic, but all failed. The name of the lawgiver was given in every case, but the process of arriving at it was incorrect.

Macclesfield.

A BRIGHTER LAND.

There is a brighter land afar,
More beauteous and more fair,
A mighty mystic panoply
Its hosts of angels are;

No foes triumph or dare intrude
Into a world like this,

For angel guards are ever found
Anigh the gates of bliss.

A beauteous bow above the throne
Illumes the fairy scene,

Here crystal rocks, of white and blue,
'Mid groves of emerald green;
And flowrets of prismatic hue,
Amaranths that never fade,
Which Cherubs form in coronals,

The fairest ever made.

See! see them on their silvery wings
Gyrate in robes of light,
Casting their Tiara from on high,

And smiling with delight;
Ah! here a shower of fadeless gems,

In one vast offering meet,

They place their crowns in joyous song
Beside the Saviour's feet.

Cherubic bands in millions stand
Amid each flow'ry plain,
Or wander forth a mighty host,
One countless glittering train;
Anon before the throne they meet
In quiet peaceful rest,

Or raise one joyous anthem there,
For here, all, all are blest.

THE WANDErer.