Take up thy Cross.

TAKE up thy cross! the Savior said, If thou wouldst my disciple be; Take up thy cross with willing heart, And humbly follow after me.

Take up thy cross! let not its weight Fill thy weak spirit with alarm; My strength shall bear thy spirit up, And brace thy heart and nerve thy arm.

Take up thy cross! nor heed the shame, And let thy foolish pride be still; Thy Lord did not refuse to die Upon the cross on Calvary's hill.

Take up thy cross, then, in his strength, And calmly sin's wild deluge brave; 'Twill guide thee to a better home; It points to bliss beyond the grave.

Take up thy cross, and follow me, Nor think till death to lay it down; For only he who bears the cross, May hope to wear the glorious crown.