1 “Take up your cross,” the Savior said,
“if you would my disciple be;
deny yourself, the world forsake,
and humbly follow after me.”

2 Take up your cross, let not its weight
fill your weak spirit with alarm;
his strength shall bear your spirit up,
and nerve your heart, and brace your arm.

3 Take up your cross, heed not the shame,
nor let your foolish pride rebel;
your Lord for you the cross endured,
and fought the powers of death and hell.

4 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.