Whenever we see the cross, it is a reminder that we are bought with a price.

For many years, Pacific Gospel Mission in Chicago, Ilinois has ministered to homeless and helpless people.  Ethel Taylor, and her husband, Walter, ran the mission for a time.  An experience there prompted Ethel to write the song, "Calvary Covers It All."

One night, a man who had been drinking came to the mission.  He did not respond to the message the first night, but he kept coming back.  Ethel, who was fondly called Ma Taylor, found out that he was a professional entertainer when he was sober.  She had been in the entertainment field, and understood its pitfalls and temptations.  Her heart went out to him, and she prayed for Mac, the name he went by.

About four or five nights later, Ethel saw Mac joining in the music, and listening.  When the invitation was given that night, he was the first to respond.  He seemed to be struggling, though, so Ethel knelt down beside him, and heard him pray, "But you don't understand, you don't know how bad I am, Lord.  Really, I'm the worst man in the world.  You can't save me.  I'm too bad."

Ma Taylor began to quietly talk with Mac about God's love.  She remembered a testimony of a man from the American Tract Society, Mr. Crawford, who said, "Calvary covers it all."  She said, "Mac, Calvary covers it all--all the sins of your past life."

"Please say that again, Mrs. Taylor," Mac said.  She repeated it--"Calvary covers it all."  Mac was quiet for a moment, and then said, "Calvary does cover it all!  My whole past of sin and shame!  Oh!  Mrs. Taylor, I'm so glad it's true and you told me."  Mac went on to be an Evangelist, and told many others the good news.

During that night with Mac, a seed was planted in Ethel's heart for this song.  One afternoon that same week, she went into the mission chapel when no one was there.  She said down at the piano and wrote, "Calvary Covers It All."

The words are:

Far dearer than all that the world can impart

Was the message that came to my heart

How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone--

And Calvary covers it all

The stripes that He bore and the thorns that He wore

Told His mercy and love evermore

And my heart bowed in shame as I called on His Name--

And Calvary covers it all

How matchless the grace, when I looked in the face

Of this Jesus, my crucified Lord;

My redemption complete, I am found at His feet--

Calvary covers it all

How blessed the thought that my soul, by Him bought

Shall be His in the glory on high

Where with gladness and song I'll be one of the throng--

Calvary covers it all

Chorus:

Calvary covers it all

My past with its sin and stain

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on Him there

And Calvary covers it all