A cross borne in simplicity, without the interference of self-love to augment it, is only half a cross. Suffering in this simplicity of love, we are not only happy in spite of the cross, but because of it; for love is pleased in suffering for the Well Beloved, and the cross which forms us into His image is a consoling bond of love.
And now my cross is all supported,—
Part on my Lord, and part on me;
But as He is so much the stronger,
He seems to bear it—I go free.
To deny one's self, to take up the cross, denotes something immeasurably grander than self-imposed penance or rigid conformity to a Divine statute. It is the surrender of self to an ennobling work, an absolute subordination of personal advantages and of personal pleasures for the sake of truth and the welfare of others, and a willing acceptance of every disability which their interests may entail.
Losses and crosses are heavy to bear; but when our hearts are right with God, it is wonderful how easy the yoke becomes.
To do Thy holy will;
To bear Thy cross;
To trust Thy mercy still,
In pain or loss;
Poor gifts are these to bring,
Dear Lord, to Thee,
Who hast done every thing
For me!
