THE CHRISTIAN GROSS.

8,6,8,6

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." -- Matt.16:24.

"Der Christen Schmuck und Ordensband."

[59]Spitta.

transl., Sarah Findlater, 1858

The Christian's badge of honor here,

Has ever been the cross;

And when its hidden joys appear,

He counts it gain, not loss.

He bears it meekly, as is blest,

While struggling here with sin;

He wears it not upon his breast,

Ah! no, it is within.

And if it bring him pain or shame,

He takes it joyfully,

For well he knows from whom it came,

And what its end shall be.

Only a little while 'tis borne,

And as a a pledge is given

Of robes of triumph, to be worn

For evermore in heaven.