1 "Take up thy cross," the Savior said,
"if thou wouldst my disciple be;
deny thyself, the world forsake,
and humbly follow after Me."

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.

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

4 Take up thy cross, and follow Christ,
nor think till death to lay it down;
for only they who bear the cross
may hope to wear the glorious crown.