The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood all old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where die dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

 

Chorus: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross

till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross

and exchange it some day for a crown.

 

O, the old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

has a wondrous attraction for me;

for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above

to bear it to dark Calvary.

 

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

a wondrous beauty I see;

for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died

to pardon and sanctify me.

 

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,

when his glory for ever I’ll share.

 

George Bennard 1873-1958