Take Up Thy Cross

Verse 1

The way is long, and rough, and dark, But I have trod it all for thee; My footprints all the journey mark,— Take up thy cross, and follow me.

Chorus

Take up thy cross its burden bear, If thou would’st my disciple be; Who bears the cross the crown shall wear,— Take up thy cross, and follow me.

Verse 2

Let not the mountain’s stony height, Nor yet the swelling of the sea, With foolish fears thy soul affright,— Take up thy cross, and follow me.

Verse 3

When storms arise and griefs assail, To me thy Refuge quickly flee, My loving care shall never fail,— Take up thy cross, and follow me.

Verse 4

Though foes beset thee, do not yield, For I thy Leader strong will be; With breastplate on, and faith thy shield, Take up thy cross, and follow me.

Verse 5

Then noble strive, and vict’ry gain, A crown of glory waiteth thee; But if thou would’st thy crown attain, Take up thy cross, and follow me.