On a hill far away stood the 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, 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 for ever 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 some day for a crown.