'Take Up Thy Cross', the Savior Said

" Take up thy cross," the Savior 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 thine arm.

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.

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.

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.

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.