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 cavalry. 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 on some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I'll share.