Poems (Barker)/The Cross and Crown

by Alice J. Green Barker

For works with similar titles, see The Cross and Crown.

The Cross And Crown.

Take up your burden, my brother;
 Dispairing, oh! turn not away;
Lighter it grows as you journey
 The beautiful pat way of day.
'Till, when you reach the dark river,
 It slips from your arms in the tide,
And your brow gleams with beautiful jewels,
 When your feet touch the bright pearly side.

Take up your cross, tired servant;
 The scoffs of a sin-hardened world;
Most bitter and cruel anathemas
 At Christ, your great Captain, were hurled.
And your faith must needs burn all the brighter,
 When you think that the path you have trod,
With its thorns, its temptations and crosses,
 Was pressed by a suffering God.

Take up your cross, oh, my brother!
 Remember the Friend that is near;
Whose arms are enfolded about you,
 Who sees every penitent tear.
Not in your strength can you carry
 The burden of heaven sent down:
And not by your own strength, my brother,
 Could you gain the great height of a crown.

Oh! think of the pearls you can scatter,
 In this, the bright seed time of love,
With patience and hope for your watch-words,
 Faith leading your spirit above.
Then cheerfully take up life's crosses,
 By merciful heaven sent down,
To lead us still nearer the Master,
 Who waits with the grace given crown.