Free as the air and sunshine is the gospel sound,
Telling of salvation unto all around,
Making known God’s mercy and His wondrous grace,
To the lost and guilty men of Adam’s race.
’Tis the gospel—sounded plain and clear;
’Tis the gospel—tell it far and near;
’Tis the gospel—so you need not fear,
You may have salvation now—just while you’re here.
Peace it brings, and pardon, for the soul distrest,
All who will believe it are forever blest:
Hope it gives of glory and eternal joy,
And in praise and worship does our lips employ.
Soon the door of mercy will have closed for aye;
Soon the day of favor will have passed away;
Soon some present with us will be here no more—
In eternal darkness or on heaven’s bright shore.
A.H.L.
ML-10/23/1977