394 Take up thy cross, the Savior said,

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 soul with vain alarm: My strength shall bear thy spirit up, And brace thine 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, then, in His strength, And calmly every danger brave; 'Twill guide thee to a better home, And lead to victory o'er the grave. 5 Take up thy cross and follow Him, Nor think till death to lay it down; For only he who bears the cross May hope to wear the glorious crown.