Take up thy cross, the Saviour said,

If Thou wouldst my disciple be;

Deny thyself, the world forsake,

And humbly follow after me.

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 thy arm.

Take up thy cross, not heed the shame,

Not let thy foolish pride rebel;

Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,

To save thy soul from death and hell.

Take up thy cross then in His strength,

And calm sin’s wild deluge brave;

‘Twill guide thee to a better home;

It points to glory o’er the grave.

Take up thy cross and follow Christ,

Nor think till death to lay it down;

For only those who bear the cross

May hope to wear the glorious crown.