On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffring 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 someday 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,
Such a wonderful 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 someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.