Take up thy cross, and follow me,

The Savior says to all.

Deny thyself if free you'd be

From all that doth befall

That natural man of Adam's kind’

That enemy of old.

I am the sweetest Friend you’ll find;

The Lover of thy soul.

I suffered much and bore thy sins

To Calvary's cruel tree.

Take up thy cross, Be one who wins

By losing all to Me.

I'll not allow one shred of self,

Thy precious soul to mar.

By taking up thy cross thou shalt

Receive the Morning Star.

So fear thou not to walk alone;

I've called thee by thy name.

And in thy heart My Light hath shone;

‘Twill set thy heart aflame.

Then thou shalt have the fire of God,

Upon thine altar fall,

When thou hast in thy patience trod,

The pathway of My call.

Take up thy cross and follow me.

The call is still the same,

As every tongue and every knee

Shall soon and loud proclaim

That Jesus Christ is Lord of all

In heaven, and in earth;

When all the nations drink the gall,

And lose their might and mirth.

And carry it with joy.

T’was into this thou wast baptized;

It will thy flesh destroy.

And when thy cross has done its work

In weakness and in shame;

When in thy heart no will doth lurk

To justify, or blame,

Then, on thy heart shall burst this truth—

T’was for my good alone!

What I mistook for cruel abuse,

Hath made us bone of bone.

Let's drink with joy the cup He drank.

Let's make His death our aim.