“FATHER, forgive, they know not what they do,"
The words of Christ on Calvary's cross for you—
He died the ruined and the lost to save,
And rose again triumphant o'er the grave.
"Today, shalt be with Me,"—thy soul set free,
His answer to the prayer "Remember me,"
A sinner saved at the eleventh hour,
Snatched as a brand from the infernal power.
He saw His much loved mother weeping there,
And gave her to the faithful, tender care
Of that disciple whom He loved so well,
"Behold thy mother,"—who that love can tell?
The word of God was ever in His heart,
And from its teachings He would not depart,
And to fulfill that word we hear Him say,
"I thirst," but not a drop that thirst to stay.
And then, amid the darkness of that day,
Creation trembled—He was heard to say,
"My God, My God, hast Thou forsaken Me,"
In all the sorrows of dark Calvary?
At last He cried, “‘tis finished"—all was done—
He, for His people, had the victory won,
The claims of God forever satisfied;
All glory to the One who bled and died!
And just before He bowed His holy head,
With a "loud cry" the mighty Conqueror said,
"Father, to Thee My spirit I confide,"
Laid down His life, and thus for us He died.