Take Up Your Cross (variations on the tune "Bourbon")
For Organ with optional voices. Variations on the hymn tune Bourbon ( Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said) which may be played as a Partita for Organ or as a Concertato for Choir and Organ - choir in unison or in convenient voicings according to the singers present. A showpiece for a concert, Lenten meditation, or Bach's Lunch — or play some of the variations during a service. You'll love it!
"Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"If you would my disciple be;
Take up your cross with willing heart,
And humbly follow after me.
"
Take up your cross; let not its weight
Fill your weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear your spirit up,
And brace your heart and nerve your arm.
Take up your cross; heed not the shame,
And let your foolish heart be still;
Thy Lord for you accepted death,
Upon a cross, on Calvary's hill.
Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
And calmly every danger brave;
It guides you to abundant life,
And leads to victory o'er the grave.
Take up thy cross, and follow Christ,
Nor think till death to lay it down;
For only those who bears the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.