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
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 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 that 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
