Classic Poem

PARABLE XLVII.

The Bearing of the Cross.

And having bade the throng draw near,
His doctrine with the twelve to hear,
He said, ‘Whoever would apply
‘To me, he must himself deny,
‘Take up the cross where'er I go,
‘And be my follower in woe.
‘For who his precious life would spare,
‘Shall lose it for his over-care:
‘But for the gospel's sake and mine
‘Whoever shall his life resign,
‘The same shall save it at the last
‘For when a man's account is cast,
‘What shall it profit, if he win
‘The world, and lose his soul in sin?
‘Or what exchange can counterpoise
‘His soul and heav'n's eternal joys?
‘Whoever, therefore, in this age
‘Of vice, and rank adult'rous rage,
‘Shall be asham'd of me and mine,
‘And of the doctrine I injoin,
‘Him too the Son of Man shall spurn
‘In like contempt at his return,
‘With all his Father's glory crown'd,
‘And all th'angelic host around.’