Take up thy cross, my soul, nor grieve

Take up thy cross, my soul, nor grieve
That such thy lot must be,
For He who this command did leave,
Said also — " Follow me."

Take up thy cross, — nor faithless fear
Lest it o'erwhelm thee,
Without its weight thou could'st not hear
His voice say, — " Follow me."

Take up thy cross, he is unwise
Who would from it be free,
Without its pain, thou would'st not rise
When Christ says, — " Follow me."

Take up thy cross, — and let thy song
Whilst thou dost bear it be,
Pain cannot grieve, nor suff'ring wrong,
While Christ says, — " Follow me."