Why fearest thou then to take up the cross...

Why fearest thou then to take up the cross which leadeth to a kingdom? In the Cross is health, in the Cross is life, in the Cross is protection from enemies, in the Cross is heavenly sweetness, in the Cross strength of mind, in the Cross joy of the spirit, in the Cross the height of virtue, in the Cross perfection of holiness. There is no health of the soul, no hope of eternal life, save in the Cross. Take up therefore, thy cross and follow Jesus and thou shalt go into eternal life. He went before thee bearing His Cross and died for thee upon the Cross, that thou also mayest bear thy cross and mayest love to be crucified upon it. For if thou be dead with Him, thou shalt also live with Him, and if thou be a partaker of His sufferings thou shalt be also of His glory. ...Thomas à Kempis
   image by Tim Parkinson

"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