The Cross imposed on all disciples

The great Confession. Passion foretold.

(The Gospel History, Section 71)

And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.

The Cross imposed on all disciples

(The Saviour of the World, Vol IV, Book III, Poem XLVIII)

The Lord turned Him about and saw them there,
The multitude that followed;—every man
Perfecting in his heart that crafty plan
Should profit him when Christ the crown should wear,
And hold the honours they all hoped to share.
But, hark, a word of searching ’mongst them ran,
Those eager men, each in his narrow span
Bent on self-serving: who for Christ had care?

“If any will in truth come after Me,
Companionless he comes; himself he leaves
Uncherished, all-denied, that he may be
My follower: he in his way perceives,
Asking his strength to lift, cross none may see
But who his daily ordering takes from Me.”

St. Matthew xvi. 24.
St. Mark viii. 34.
St. Luke ix. 23.