389. "Take up thy cross," the Saviour said

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

Text Information
First Line: "Take up thy cross," the Saviour said
Author: Charles W. Everest
Publication Date: 1886
Topic: The Sinner: Warning and Invitation
Tune Information
Name: DESIRE
Composer: Isaac B. Woodbury
Meter: L. M.
Key: B♭ Major
Notes: Alternate tunes: #428, 215, or 47.



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