Hymns for Today's Church (2nd ed.) ‎#114

114. 'Take up your cross,' the Saviour said

1 '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, nor heed the shame,
nor let your foolish pride rebel;
the Lord for you the cross endured
to save your soul from death and hell.

4 Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
and calmly every danger brave;
he guides us 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 they who bear the cross
may hope to win the glorious crown.

Text Information

• First Line: 'Take up your cross,' the Saviour said
• Author: C. W. Everest (1814-1877)
• Meter: 8 8 8 8 (LM)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Mark 8:34
• Topic: God, Saviour: Growing, Teaching, Serving; Epiphany 2, Revelation: The First Disciples; Lent 2, The King and the Kingdom: Conflict; Lent 3, The King and the Kingdom: Suffering; Lent 5, The King and the Kingdom: The Victory of the Cross; Easter 4: The Charge to Peter; Pentecost 18: The Offering of Life

Tune Information

• Name: BRESLAU
• Meter: 8 8 8 8 (LM)
• Key: G Major
• Source: Melody in As Hymnodus Sacer Leipzig 1625