The Old Rugged Cross/near The Cross Lyrics - I Love To Tell The Story - Andy Griffith

The Old Rugged Cross 

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 

Where my trophies at last I'll lay down. 

I will cling to the old rugged cross, 

And exchange it someday 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 Calvary. 

(Chorus) 

To the old rugged cross, 

I will ever be true, 

It's 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) 

NEAR THE CROSS 

Jesus, keep me near the cross, 

There a precious fountain, 

Free to all a healing stream 

Flows from Calvary's mountain. 

(Chorus) 

In the cross, In the cross, 

Be my glory ever, 

Till my raptured soul shall find 

Rest beyond the river. 

Near the cross, a trembling soul, 

Love and mercy found me. 

There the bright and morning star 

Wrapped its love around me. 

(Chorus) 

Near the cross I'll watch and wait, 

Hoping, trusting ever, 

Till I reach that Golden Strand, 

Just beyond the river. 

(Chorus)