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.      Chorus:   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.      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.      Chorus:   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.      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.      Chorus:   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.      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.      Chorus:   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...