1 "Take up thy cross," the Saviour said,
"If thou wouldst my disciple be;
Take up thy cross with willing heart,
And humbly follow after Me."

2 Take up thy cross; let not its weight
Fill thy weak soul with vain 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,
And let thy foolish pride be still;
Thy Lord refused not e'en to die
Upon a cross on Calv'ry's hill.

4 Take up thy cross, then, in his strength,
And calmly every danger brave;
'Twill guide thee to a better home,
And lead to vict'ry o'er the grave.

5 Take up thy cross, and follow Christ,
Nor think till death to lay it down;
For only he who bears the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

Amen.