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On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suff’ring and shame;
and I loved 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 one day for a crown.
Oh that old rugged cross,
as 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.
So I’ll cherish …
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.
So I’ll cherish …
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,
there his glory for ever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish …
George Bennard (1913)
Added: 11 September 2022
Organ: Little Waldingfield
Organist on demand 