The United Methodist Hymnal

504

The Old Rugged Cross

1	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.

Refrain:
	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.

2	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. [Refrain]

3	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. [Refrain]

4	To that 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. [Refrain]

WORDS: George Bennard, 1913 Based on 1 Corinthians 1:
MUSIC: George Bennard, 1913
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Theme: Hope; Jesus Christ: Atonement; Jesus Christ: Blood; Jesus Christ: Cross; New Heaven and a New Earth: Death and Eternal Life; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Prayer, Trust, Hope