Why Friday is so Good

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.

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.

In that 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.

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

George Bernard, 1913