The Screwtape Letters – C. S. Lewis (1942)
I have to confess that even though I am not overtly religious in a traditional sense I have a penchant for official religious publications, especially old bibles and hymn books.
The smell of ancient, well-handled leather evokes images of by-gone days when that little book probably meant the world to someone. One dates back to eighteen hundred and something (the writing is now too faded to read), a time when a book like that would have cost the earth and been a prized possession, often handed down through the generations.
Although I tend to agree with the notion that some of the services contained within the books of worship can be confusing there are always ones that evoke memories regardless of the faith being followed. Weddings, christenings, and funerals are customary within most religions.
The lyrics of some hymns still bring back memories, often ones I have not thought about for years. As a child, when staying with my grandparents I would go to the Old Peoples Club, as it was known then in the church hall every Wednesday afternoon. Every meeting was started with the singing of a hymn. My Nana’s favourite was The Old Rugged Cross, originally written in 1912 and although often sung at funerals in the 1950’s, it was also considered an inspirational hymn to rally the congregation to do their best whilst alive. The lyrics advocated that all actions on earth effect the afterlife. The trophies accomplished in the mortal world are cast aside in exchange for salvation by holding on to the cross, holding on to faith whilst alive.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)
The meaning of the hymn means nothing to me, but the memories that it holds are priceless.
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suff'ring 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
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
(Refrain)
In the old rugged Cross, stain'd with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To pardon and sanctify me
(Refrain)
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