103. 'And I will give thee the crown of life' signifies their having eternal life, the reward for victory. Since it treats of temptations even to death, it is said that they are to be given the crown of life, such as was given to the martyrs who were faithful even unto death. And because the martyrs used to desire it, crowns were therefore given to them after death, by which was signified the reward for victory. In heaven they still appear in their crowns, and it has been granted me to see this.