Take Up Thy cross

Verse 1

Thou say'st, "Take up thy cross, O man, and follow me;" The night is black, the feet are slack, Yet we would follow Thee.

Verse 2

But, O dear Lord, we cry, That we Thy face could see! Thy blessèd face one moment's space-- Then might we follow Thee!

Verse 3

Dim tracts of time divide Those golden days from me; Thy voice comes strange o'er years of change; How can I follow Thee?

Verse 4

Comes faint and far Thy voice From vales of Galilee; Thy vision fades in ancient shades; How should we follow Thee?

Verse 5

O heavy cross -- of faith In what we cannot see! As once of yore Thyself restore, And help to follow Thee.

Verse 6

If not as once Thou cam'st In true humanity, Come yet as Guest within the breast That burns to follow Thee.

Verse 7

Within our heart of hearts In nearest nearness be: Set up Thy throne within Thine own: Go, Lord: we follow Thee.

Verse 8

Amen.