No cross for me, O blessèd Lord and Sav­ior?
No cross for me, when Thou Thine own didst bear,
At midnight hour within the garden kneeling,
While pitying stars beheld Thy anguish there.

Refrain

There is a cross, and gladly I accept it;
There is a warfare with a host of sin;
But Thou has oped the gate of life eter­nal,
And Thou wilt let Thine own dear children in.

No cross for me, when Thou the King of glo­ry,
The Well-Beloved, the Fa­ther’s only Son,
Didst with Thy blood atone for all transgressions?
For Thou hast tasted death for ev’ry one.

Refrain

No cross for me? shall I on Pisgah’s mountain
Content abide, from care and trial free?
Ah, no, but thro’ the wilderness of sorrow,
Tho’ pierced with thorns, my feet shall follow Thee!

Refrain

Take up the cross if thou art My disciple!
Deep in my soul I hear Thy words of love:
Take up the cross, and when the war is over,
Home, rest, and crown, with endless joy above!

Refrain