The gospel is good news indeed,
To sinners deep in debt;
The man who has no works to plead,
Will thankful be for it.
To know that when he’s nought to pay,
His debts are all discharged,
Will make him blooming look as May,
And set his soul at large.
No news can be compared with this,
To men oppressed with sin;
Who know what legal bondage is,
And labor but in vain.
Freedom from sin and Satan’s chains,
And legal toil as well,
The gospel sweetly now proclaims;
Which tidings suit them well.
How gladly does the prisoner hear,
What gospel has to tell!
‘Tis perfect love that casts out fear,
And brings him from his cell.
The man that feels his guilt abound,
And knows himself unclean,
Will find the gospel’s joyful sound,
Is welcome news to him.
[WILLIAM GADSBY, 1773-1844]