The Old Rugged Cross

Author: George Bennard

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.

3. 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.

Our public domain music is courtesy of The Cyber Hymnal


62 Comments

  • Jose J Orr says:

    All the devotionals and the hymns are so inspiring. My wife and I listen and read early in the morning. Keep up the work of sending out the devotionals.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The upbeat tempo of “Ride On Ride On In Majesty” heralds the beginning of Holy Week. The upbeat words of Henry Hart Milman’s hymn “O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin O’er captive death and conquered sin.”, uplift us all in our triumphal Palm Sunday processions to worship God.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The words and music of Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Love Divine All Loves Excelling” prepares me for the “joy of heaven” of Jesus coming down to earth. This joy of His great salvation for us continually overwhelms me with gratitude “till in heaven we take our place”.

  • John Harley Whitlock says:

    Truly, the “old hymns” of the Church are full of biblical truths and liturgy: a blessing to all.

  • Arlene TenHove says:

    What meaningful words of this song, “I am not skilled to understand”.

  • Angeline Aywak says:

    Wonderful song.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The 7th verse of William How’s hymn, “For All The Saints” bears witness to the joyous hope that we share with “all the saints” ever since the earthly life, death and resurrection of our saviour, friend and King, Jesus the Christ.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The African-American spiritual “Were You There” causes us to tremble at the thought of Christ’s crucifixion. The last two lines of the hymn cause us to tremble for a different reason.

    “Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
    Were you there when God raised Him from the tomb?”

    The thought of God’s gracious, restoring power gives us all eternal hope as well as loving, inspirational motivation. We are an Easter people indeed.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    Issac Watts hymn, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” helps us feel the loving passion of Christ in Holy Week. You may wish to reflect on Issac’s gratitude in his words and help them to inspire you every day:

    “My richest gains I count but loss,” and

    “Love so amazing, so divine,
    Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    In Horatius Bonar’s hymn “I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say”, he shares Christ’s comforting, refreshing and guiding words for us for all times:

    “Come unto me and rest”,
    “Behold, I freely give The living water” and
    “I am the dark world’s light”.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The closing lines of Maltbie Babcock’s hymn “This Is My Father’s World” gives comfort, love and hope in a world wrought with wars, hate and chaos.

    This is my Father’s world;
    The battle is not done,
    Jesus, Who died, shall be satisfied,
    And earth and heaven be one.

  • Angeline Aywak MD says:

    Thank you for the Daily devotionals and music.

  • Sue Nazar says:

    Good morning,

    The hymns are chosen so well to match the devotional. So many I do not know and enjoy reading them each day. Thank you for your dedication to finding a good words to support the devotionals.

  • Gail L Lundquist says:

    I have long loved the song (lullaby, really) “All Through the Night,” but the lyrics as given for today’s hymn are so meaningful. We often dread the darkness of night, and troubles seem much worse during those dark hours. These words from the first stanza are especially comforting:

    Night of sin and death and sorrow;
    He will keep till dawns the morrow;
    From this world I need not borrow,
    All through the night.

  • Clara says:

    “Be Thou My Vision” – What a beautiful song of worship. Every stanza in this hymn is God’s truth that he has written on my heart. Yet it also reveals my need for him and the hope I have that he will complete the work in me. It is a beautiful song of worship that I can carry with me throughout the day. Thank you for posting this.

  • Sue Nazar says:

    This hymn is very appropriate for Karen’s message. I like the words and the message expressed in this simple hymn. Thank you for being so devoted to finding hymns to accompany the devotionals. It adds to the experience.

  • Diane Jones says:

    One of my absolute favourites: “The Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended”, unfortunately rarely sung with the demise of evening services. I find it especially encouraging that ” The voice of prayer is never silent” as I envision our globe rotating with “each continent and island” lifting prayers and praise to God as each new day dawns. Thanks to those who spread the Gospel around the world to make this so.

  • Rose says:

    Thanks for this hymn you have chosen. It brings back a lot of happy memories.

  • Liz Butcher says:

    Make me a blessing…one of my lifelong favorite songs/hymns, and, truly, my earnest prayer!

  • Rose says:

    Thank you for today’s hymn, “My Jesus I love Thee”. I love the hymns. I always say they are the “sermon before the sermon”. I love that as you listen the lyrics bring those verses referred to to mind. Whole stories unfold in the “hymn sermons”. What a great hymn. Thank you for this great reminder. Tomorrow is my 40th spiritual birthday. This hymn has brought that whole experience at the altar to mind vividly. Much appreciated, many thanks, and praise be to God always.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The hymn “Ride on, ride on in majesty!” has always inspired me. The line “In lowly pomp ride on to die:” tells me how humble and courageous Jesus was on Palm Sunday. I have felt that the words “Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,” called me also to feel His pain and share in His suffering. The last line “Then take, O God, Thy power, and reign.” speaks to me of God’s victory over death and eternal triumph.

  • Sue Nazar says:

    I appreciate the hymns that go along with the devotionals. I did not know there was one called “The Lily of the Valley”. I really like it. My mom’s favourite flower was lily of the valley and we would spent time finding cards with a picture of them, soap that smelled like it, etc. Now when it blooms in the spring it brings back great memories of my mom. Thanks for including this hymn with this devotional. Sue

  • Sharon Y Greer says:

    Love that hymn: Come and worship. I accept the invitation.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The hymn “The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended” indicates that there are others in Christ’s church to allow us time to rest. These prayer warriors on Christ’s Olympic-like team carefully are passing on prayers like a spiritual baton or hurtling them upwards like javelins so as to circumnavigate God’s earthly globe even as we sleep. God will have victory in His world over earthly pandemics and oncoming global warming fires and floods.

  • Charles Brown says:

    Today’s hymn Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart has the refrain “Rejoice give thanks and sing”.
    We can’t sing in church due to the Coronavirus but we can in the privacy of our homes.
    Thanks for the music.


    Those little prompts can too easily be ignored. Your advice is right on.


    Your thoughts on asking to be a blessing to others is particularly relevant to me today. Helps me and fills me with joy.

  • Rose says:

    Emmanson says:
    April 7, 2016 at 7:13 am

    Commenting on the song, “When We All Get To Heaven”: Such a great song of hope and joy. Lifts me up every time I hear it. Of course I only hear it on the internet when I search for it now. Sadly for me churches have almost entirely quit singing the old hymns. Don’t get me wrong some of the new worship songs are very nice. My wish would be to have a balance of hymns and new songs. Many blessings to the other commenter for your post. It is a blessing just to know that I am not the only one who loves the old hymns. 🙂

  • Chrysanthemum says:

    This is my song that I sang in the car on the way to my first and subsequent teaching jobs …
    “I am weak, but Thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand” and
    “When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside”
    And He did and still does …
    “Land me safe on Canaan’s side”!
    What a comforting song!

  • Joan Sande says:

    Merry Christmas everyone and a prosperous New Year. Another year has rolled by. I thank the Lord for all the blessings I have received and for his guiding hand in my life. The Peace of Christ be with all the writers and readers and administration that make the PresbyCan Daily Devotional possible… Amen

  • Parise Aeakelian says:

    “Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above” What a joyful hymn! These songs continue to bless me. Praise God!

  • Emmanson says:

    First time I heard this song, “When we all get to heaven”, I shed tears of joy. I imagine the atmosphere at His presence. Each time I meditate on this song it moves me to ever look up to that day. Nothing in this world will ever make me miss that day, when I will behold Him and probably ask Him to fully explain the depth of His for me and once again say thank you to my Redeemer.

  • Robert Norminton says:

    “There is a Happy Land” is a great little hymn, no longer heard. How many of us know that the funny song, “There is a boarding house, far, far away; where they serve ham and eggs three times a day”, came from this hymn?

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    The hymn, “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind,” is such a strong testimony of a God who loves us and gives us peace. Thanks for featuring the very best of sacred music. May God bless you as you provide these treasures every day.

  • Joan Sande says:

    Good morning; tis a wonderful new spring morning here in Sask. A little snow is falling but our temps are warming up. Thank you for “The Daily”, and all the writers that make it possible, it is my Daily. I also enjoy the lovely hymns you pick, especially the older ones from when I was a child. God bless . . .

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    “At The Cross” was a hymn I used to sing with my father in Armenian. When I heard it tonight it brought back those memories. However, when I tried to sing them now I had lost much of the words. I have committed to try to learn those words again. Thank you for featuring the old hymns.
    And thanks for your service to Him while providing them. God bless.

  • Stu McLean says:

    Would like to say how much I enjoy the beautiful worship music each day, and how it uplifts me for the upcoming day, truly refreshing !

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    “O Jesus I Have Promised” is such a stirring hymn of dedication. It describes how I feel about our Saviour, and my relationship with Him. Thanks for featuring it today. May God richly bless you.

  • Azalia Matheson says:

    How blessed we are that God has given us the beautiful gift of music to enjoy while we are here on earth. He, in His wisdom, knew that it would bring joy and peace to our lives and provide a melody within our hearts, often when they are broken. To those who write and play we must be so grateful. I am not one of them, but I do value their gift to the world.

  • Joan says:

    This was our teacher’s college hymn when I attended Hamilton teacher’s college over 40 years ago.
    It still remains one of my favourite hymns.

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    What a precious hymn!–My first time to hear it.
    The words are so true–He is mine forever, that’s for sure. Thank you for featuring it today. May God richly bless you.

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    Happy Canada Day to all my precious Canadian friends!

  • Dudu Madonsela says:

    The song is really a testimony my decree , but Verse 3 is absolutely a do for me. It talks about the real thing , the finishing line

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    This song, “One Day,” has been a favorite in my family for years. There is so much hope written here and our Lord’s sacrifice is so beautifully outlined. Thanks for featuring it today. God bless you all.

  • Babugura, Allen says:

    Behold the beauty of the poetry in the stanzas (especially the 4th)and praise the Lord for the bonus in the sweet music to the fine words!

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    The word, Hallelujah, in each verse denotes an expression of praise or joy.
    This is exactly how I felt, full of joy, as I listened to this hymn. Thanks for sharing it with us today.

  • Helen Gibson says:

    The month of May is a lonely month, so this month, “I need Thee every hour”, in loving memory of my loved ones. I love that old hymn. Thank you again for this wonderful site.

  • Jack Vallance says:

    JOY, JOY, JOY. For some time I have been unable to hear the music despite trying everything recommended.
    Today the music came on right away, and what a beautiful start to what is already a beautiful day.

  • Helen Gibson says:

    Good Sunday MORNING, I love this, when we all get to ,Heaven, Thank you for this wonderful site, It has helped me so much with the passing of my Husband and my two Son’s in the last three year’s, I come here in the morning and sometimes I think this was written for me .Keep up the good work,Have a blessed week, Helen Gibson Brampton on,

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    Thank you for introducing me to a new hymn today. “Look You Saints” took me through what I firmly believe: His name should be praised for how he suffered for our sin; then, proceeded onward to conquer death. For His victory we will one day spend eternal life with Him.

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The second verse of Henry Milman’s hymn on this Palm Sunday will ring in my ears until I join the “winged squadrons of the sky” (verse three). “Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die: O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin O’er captive death and conquered sin.” Thanks and praise be to God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Parise Arakelian says:

    These hymns continue to bless me tremendously. Thank you for all the work you do to bring us to our Lord with sheer joy and adoration each day.

  • Babugura, Allen says:

    Today, as in the recent passed, I have reflected on the varied human accomplishments ranging from great music to which the song, I am now listening to, belongs, to weapons of destruction to which a bomb, code-named Ivan, belongs.
    And a short prayer like ‘Lord, let it be the sound of sweet music around me and not the frightening noise of guns, Amen.’ has materialized.

  • Pius Ngoran says:

    Thanks for the song which reminds me of my secondary school days in the early 1970s, when Mrs Lake an American missionary taught us the song.
    Thanks
    Pius Ngoran
    Bamenda-Cameroon

  • Graham Johnson says:

    I’ve just listened and followed the words for the hymn ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus.
    This is a timely reminder for me just to do that especially as life has presented me with a few challenges in recent days.
    God Bless you all and thank you for this ministry you so willingly give.

  • Joan Sande says:

    Good morning; thank you for this website, full of good news each and every day. Tks for the info regarding Robin’s Dad, Dr. John A. Ross, nice to hear a little history. Peace . . . 🙂 Amen!

  • Bruce McCowan says:

    The hymn today on Feb. 2nd which is entitled, “A Beautiful Life” was one that spoke to me of a fellow Christian who just this week passed on from this his earthly life. He walked with Jesus in a beautiful way. His gentleness, kindness and caring manner were matched by the manner in which he so steadfastly served our Lord with unselfish and sacrificial steps. May the music and words of these devotionals also serve to so stimulate us to walk with Jesus and so serve all of God’s creation, especially His people.

  • Dianna Royer says:

    I too enjoy starting each morning with these daily devotional. I sing along with the hymns or some times just read the words and take them in. Thank you all.
    God bless.

  • June Heale says:

    What a lovely old childhood hymn bringing back so many fond memories from the Presbyterian Church in Woodbridge where Robin’s Dad Dr. John A. Ross was my minister, & his mother Kay was organist for our choir. Thank you.

  • Lorra Paoletti says:

    I enjoy starting each morning with this daily devotional. Thank you to you all!
    God bless!
    Lorra

  • Evelyn Merriam Painter says:

    Thank you for the daily devotions and hymns. I look forward to this faith journey each day.
    In His Service

  • Michelle M Mohammed says:

    Good day, each morning I look forward to reading and well trying to sing the hymns. If not sing then just read and embrace the words which is just as inspirational as the devotions. and I do agree with Caro Wiles that the churches do not sing these hymns as much as they should and that is very sad. I am from Trinidad West Indies and I would like to wish all who makes these devotions and hymns possible to start my day positive.
    Thank you and may God Bless.

  • Caro Wiles says:

    I too enjoy singing along with the hymns each day .. many which sadly we do not get to sing in our churches today!
    I share them with a friend and we often comment on this aspect of the Daily along with the wonderful messages we have the privilege of receiving every day
    Thank you to all who make this possible

  • PHYLLIS HEMMONS says:

    Welcome back I for one am delighted to have you back and I love to sing along and appreciate the homilys. I’m fortunate to receive daily Blessings to all the hard workers

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