Take Up Thy Cross

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 

- Matthew 16:24

"Take up thy cross", the Saviour said,

"If thou wouldst My disciple be;

Take up thy cross, with willing heart,

And humbly follow after Me."

Take up thy cross; let not its weight

Fill thy weak soul with vain alarm;

His strength shall bear thy 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 endured the cross

To save they soul from death and hell.

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.

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.

Charles William Everest

(1814-77)

I came across this hymn in one of our old hymn books the other day. I've never heard it sung, so I have no clue of the tune, but isn't it absolutely lovely? The words are so beautiful.

Many blessings!

P.S. This is sort of a 'bonus' post - I normally only post every second day... but I wanted to share this with you today. :)