‘Who crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness’. You had perhaps begun to be in a manner proud, when you heard the words, ‘He crowns you.’ I am then great, I have then wrestled. By whose strength? By yours, but supplied by Him….He crowns you, because He is crowning His own gifts, not your deservings. I laboured more abundantly than they all, said the Apostle; but see what he adds: ‘yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.’ 1 Corinthians 15:10 …It is then by His mercy that you are crowned; in nothing be proud; ever praise the Lord; forget not all His rewards. It is a reward when thou, a sinner and an ungodly man, hast been called, that you may be justified. It is a reward, when you are raised up and guided, that you may not fall. It is a reward, when strength is given you, that you may persevere unto the end. It is a reward, that even that flesh of yours by which you were oppressed rises again and that not even a hair of your head perishes. It is a reward, that after your resurrection you are crowned. It is a reward, that you may praise God Himself for evermore without ceasing….