The dignities of Christ.
"On his head were many crowns." It is suggested—
I. THAT THESE DIGNITIES ARE OF PRICELESS VALUE. What on earth does man regard as more valuable than a "crown"? Poor fool! He has waded through seas of blood, wrecked thrones, ruined empires, risked all he possessed, even life itself, in order to win a "crown." But what are all the crowns of the world compared to the diadems that encircled the Being of Christ?
II. THAT THESE DIGNITIES ARE MANIFOLD. "Many crowns." There is the dignity of an all knowing intellect, the dignity of an immaculate conscience, the dignity of an absolutely unselfish love, the dignity of a will free from all. the warping influences of sin, error, and prejudice. These diadems of priceless worth, though manifold, are as yet undiscovered by the multitude.
III. THAT THESE DIGNITIES ARE SELF PRODUCED. The honours which unregenerate men possess, such as they are, are conferred by others, and the giver and the receiver of them are alike morally dishonoured in their acts of bestowment and acceptance. But the dignities of Christ, like the majestic branches of a tree, or the splendid pinions of a bird, grow out of himself. All his dignities are but the brilliant evolutions of his own great soul.
IV. THAT THESE DIGNITIES ARE IMPENETRABLE. How soon the "crowns" worn by men grow dim and rot into dust! But Christ's diadems are incorruptible; they will sparkle on forever, and fill all the heavens of immensity with their brilliant lustre.—D.T.