Take Up Thy Cross by R. C. Farrar

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 12, 1862

Take Up Thy Cross.

By R. C. Farrar

LONG had I prayed, long had I wept, No comfort o'er my spirit crept, Till meek and penitent with grief, I looked to Jesus for relief; "What shall I do?" in anguish cried; A tender, loving voice replied, "If thou wilt my disciple be, Take up thy cross, and follow me."

Blest Saviour, since that happy hour, Oft have I felt the tempter's power, To lure me from the heavenly road, So narrow and so little trod; For worldly wisdom turns away, To tread the broad and flowery way; But ah! I knew this flowery path Led down to everlasting death!

The rugged, thorny path I viewed, And oft irresolute I stood. The worldly throng seemed glad and gay, And Pleasure beckoned me to stay: "Come taste this cup of joy," said she, "These fairy flowers I'll twine for thee, Why shouldst thou spend youth's spring-time In toiling up that rugged way?" [gay.

How oft I yielded to the spell, My aching heart recalls too well. The withered flowers I might forget, But ah! the thorns, I feel them yet! The cup that I so madly sought, I found with sad repentance fraught; And I reviewed the misspent years, With bitter, self-upbraiding tears.

Then half-despairing, half in hope, Saviour, I dared to thee look up, And in my darkness and despair, I saw a gleam of pity there. In accents gentle, but severe, Again these words fell on my ear; "If thou wilt my disciple be, Take up thy cross, and follow me."

Dear Saviour, up the rugged way, I strive to toil from day to day; A light upon the path has shone, Strengthened and cheered, I'm pressing on; My heart is fixed the end to see, Where fadeless joys are waiting me; What care I for the worldling's frown? Brighter will shine the immortal crown.

Press on! press on! ye worn and faint! Rest soon will soothe the weary saint. There's one sweet hope our hearts to cheer, Redemption's day is drawing near. A voice rings on the startled air In thunder tones, "Prepare! prepare! Ye soon shall my salvation see, Who faithfully have followed me."

R. C. FARRAR.

Deerfield, Waushara Co., Wis.