"Take up thy Cross," the Savior said...

"Take up thy Cross," the Savior said,

"If thou wouldst my disciple be;

Deny thyself, the world forsake,

And humbly follow after me."

Take up thy cross, let not its weight

Fill thy weak spirit with alarm;

His strength shall bear thy spirit up,

And brace thy heart and nerve thine arm.

Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame,

Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;

Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,

To save thy soul from death and hell.

Take up thy cross and follow Christ,

Nor think till death to lay it down;

For only those who bear the cross

May hope to wear the glorious crown.

...Charles W. Everest image by Elise Wormuth