Hymn History: Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone    

​The hymn, “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?” originally read “Shall Simon bear the cross alone, and other saints be free.” Thomas Shepherd, the author, used his hymn after preaching about Simon Peter, who was believed to have been crucified upside down. Later, the hymn was altered to refer to Jesus.

The  hymn  was  written  in  1693  and  a  year

later,  Shepherd  made  his  own  decision  to

take  up  the  cross  and  follow  Jesus.   He

left  the  Church  of  England,  where he was

pastor  in  a  beautiful  church  building  and

became   an   independent   preacher   in

Nottingham barn where he proclaimed the true gospel of Christ.

This is often the case for many preachers who feel seriously burdened to carry the cross.  Yet, many are burdened with cumbersome duties that diminish their eagerness to pick up their cross and follow Jesus.  

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  • The Lyrics:  Be Still, My Soul.

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.

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.

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

O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
Ye angels, from the stars come down
And bear my soul away.