34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.



Ver. 34. Whosoever will come after me] {See Trapp on "Mat_10:38"} {See Trapp on "Mat_16:24"}



Let him deny himself] Christianity (saith one) is perpetua naturae violentia, a continual crossing of corrupt nature.



Take up his cross] It is but a delicacy that men dream of to divide Christ and his cross. Every Christian must be a Crucian, said Luther, and do somewhat more than those monks that made themselves wooden crosses, and carried them on their backs continually, making all the world laugh at them.