The Old Rugged Cross
Author: George Bennard (1913)·Music: George Bennard·Scripture: Galatians 6:14·Topic: Sufferings and Death
Meaning & History
An evangelist's meditation on the cross as both an emblem of suffering and the place of exchange — shame traded for a crown. A favourite for communion Sabbaths and Good Friday worship.
Tonic Sol-fa — Stanza 1
Movable-do sol-fa auto-derived from the public-domain melody in Bb. A rehearsal aid — check it against the score before printing.
Lyrics
Verse 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.
Verse 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
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.
Verse 3
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.
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.