The Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross
(George Bennard)

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.

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.

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, 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.