Take up your cross, the Saviour said

‘Take up your cross,’ the saviour said,
‘if you would my disciple be;
deny yourself, forsake the world,
and humbly follow after me.’

2. Take up your cross-let not its weight
fill your weak soul with vain alarm;
his strength shall bear your spirit up,
and brace your heart, and nerve your arm.

3. Take up your cross, despise the shame,
nor let your foolish pride rebel;
the Lord for you endured the cross
to save your soul from death and hell.

4. Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
and calmly every danger brave;
it guides you to a better home,
and leads to conquest of the grave.

5. Take up your 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.