'Take Up Thy Cross', the Savior Said

Verse 1

"Take up thy cross,
" the Savior said,
"If thou wouldst My disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake,

And humbly follow after Me. "

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

Take up thy cross,
nor heed the shame,
Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;
Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,

And saved thy soul from death and hell.

Verse 4

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 glory o'er the grave.

Verse 5

Take up thy cross and follow Christ,
Nor think til death to lay it down;
For only those who bear the cross May hope to wear the glorious crown.

Verse 6

To Thee, great Lord,
the One in Three,
All praise forevermore ascend:
O grant us in our home to see The heavenly life that knows no end.