If you would my disciple be;
Deny yourself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.
Take up your cross, be not ashamed!
Let not disgrace your spirit fill!
For God himself endured to die
Upon a cross, on Calvary's hill.
Take up your cross, which gives you strength,
Which makes your trembling spirit brave;
'Twill guide you to a better home
And lead to vict'ry o'er the grave.
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 wear the glorious crown.
Take up your cross, the Savior said,
If you would my disciple be;
Take up your cross, deny yourself,
And humbly follow after me.
Take up your cross, let not its weight
Fill your weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear your spirit up
And brace your heart and nerve your arm.
Take up your cross, heed not the shame,
And let your foolish heart be still;
The Lord for you accepted death
Upon a cross, on Calvary's hill.
Charles William Everest