And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Read Chapter 14
Irenaeus of Lyons
AD 202
They then represent the Saviour as having indicated this twofold faculty: first, the sustaining power, when He said, "Whosoever doth not bear his cross (Stauros), and follow after me, cannot be my disciple; "
If you wish to be the Lord's disciple, it is necessary you "take your cross, and follow the Lord: ".
Had commanded even Abraham to make a sacrifice of his son, for the sake not of tempting, but proving, his faith; in order through him to make an example for that precept of His, whereby He was, by and by, to enjoin that he should hold no pledges of affection dearer than God.
