Hymn Lyrics

PLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation.

Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?
Words: Thomas Shepherd (Verse 1); attr. to a 19th century missionary collection (Verse 2); George Allen’s The Oberlin Social and Sabbath School Hymn Book (Verse 3); Henry Beecher’s Plymouth Collection of Hymns and Tunes (Verses 4–5)
Music: Maitland | George Nelson Allen
1. Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone,
And there’s a cross for me.

2. How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorrowing here!
But now they taste unmingled love,
And joy without a tear.

3. The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free;
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.

4. Upon the crystal pavement down
At Jesus’ pierced feet,
Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear Name repeat.

5. O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
When Christ the Lord from Heav’n comes down
And bears my soul away.


Another version (Verses 2–5 by Thomas B. Gilbert):

1. Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
While all He saves go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone,
And there’s a cross for me.

2. My Saviour bore His cross of shame,
That I might go to heaven.
Will I then fail to own His name,
Who has my sins forgiven.

3. No, I will take His cross as mine,
For I have died with Him,
My life now comes from Christ the vine,
For victory o’er sin.

4. So, on I’ll go in Christ’s blest name,
And count all things but loss,
Then I shall meet Him without shame,
For bearing here my cross.

5. Then unto glory I shall go,
To be with Christ my Lord.
With all who suffer here below,
I’ll share the great reward.