Forgiveness! 'twas a joyful sound
To guilty sinners doomed to die:
We'd publish it the world around,
And gladly shout it through the sky.
'Twas the rich gift of love divine;
'Tis full, effacing every crime;
Unbounded shall its glory shine,
And know no change by changing time.
For this stupendous gift of heaven,
What grateful honors shall we show!
Where much transgression is forgiven,
May love with fervent ardor glow.
By love inspired, may all our days
With every heavenly grace be crowned;
May truth and goodness, joy and praise,
In all abide, in all abound.