Christian Songs, Song XIX

While I my merit all explore, To ease my conscience wounded sore; That fruitless task, thou say'st, give o'er, And take up the cross, and follow me.

2 For I in place of sinners stood A spotless sacrifice to God, To purge their conscience, by my blood; Then take up the cross, and follow me.

3 All righteousness is fully wrought; The Ransom's paid, Salvation bought: Partake rest to thy soul for nought, And take up the cross, and follow me.

4 When guilt, with agonizing pain, Thy conscience wounds, behold me slain; Lo! I from death am brought again; Then take up the cross, and follow me.

5 Fear not, o'er hell and death I reign; Your griefs I bear, I feel your pain; Because I live, your life obtain; Then take up the cross, and follow me.

6 'Twas Jesus spoke; the thrilling sound A balsam was to ev'ry wound; Thy voice gave life, and pow'r I found, To take up the cross, and follow thee.

7 A flood of joy, till now unknown, O'erwhelm'd my heart, and fill'd my tongue; My soul dwelt on that melting song, I'll take up the cross, and follow thee.

8 What glory saw I now in him, Who shed his blood to purge all sin; Salvation swell'd my soul to brim! I'll take up the cross, and follow thee.

9 By faith, O Jesus, let me rise, And seek the things above the skies; O let me ne'er apostatize, From bearing the cross, to follow thee.

10 Till with thy patient saints I sing, Grave! where's thy victory? death! thy sting? Thou mak'st all conquerors to reign, Who take up the cross, and follow thee.