Take up thy cross lyrics

“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 the spirit up,

And brace thy heart and nerve thine arm.

Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame;

Nor let thy foolish pride rebel:

The Lord for thee the cross endured,

To save thy soul from death and hell.

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 the glorious crown.