Verse 1

Take up your cross, the Savior said, if you would my disciple be; take up your cross with willing heart, and humbly follow after me.

Verse 2

Take up your cross; let not its weight fill your weak spirit with alarm; Christ's strength shall bear your spirit up and brace your heart and nerve your arm.

Verse 3

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 Calv'ry's hill.

Verse 4

Take up your cross, then, in Christ's strength, and calmly ev'ry danger brave: it guides you to abundant life and leads to vict'ry o'er the grave.