THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again:

Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain?

Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame,

And live but to honor My cause and My name?

Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth,

And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth,

Despising earth’s riches, and living to bless?

Can you follow the feet of the shelterless?

Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men?

Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again?

Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs

Who’ve watched for your falling, who’ve set for you snares?

When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise,

The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes?

Can ye come out to meet Me, whate’er the cost be,

Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea?

When I call, can ye turn and in gladness “come out”

From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart?

With naught but My promise on which to rely,

 Afar from their love—can ye lie down and die?

Yea, we’ll take up the cross and in faith follow

Thee And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be.

 Blest Saviour, for courage, to Thee we will fly;

 Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.

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