On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suff’ring and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Oh, that 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,

it’s shame and reproach gladly bear;

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

where his glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

til my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it someday for a crown.

Words & Music by George Bennard
1912
(1873-1958)  

Photo by Yoal Desurmont on Unsplash