The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross

The emblem of suffering and shame

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

O that old rugged cross 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 t'was 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

Where His glory forever I'll share.

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.

~George Bennard