1 The gospel is good news indeed,
To sinners deep in debt;
The man who has no works to plead,
Will thankful be for it.

2 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.

3 No news can be compared with this,
To men oppressed with sin;
Who know what legal bondage is,
And labour but in vain.

4 Freedom from sin and Satan’s chains,
And legal toil as well,
The gospel sweetly now proclaims;
Which tidings suit them well.

5 How gladly does the prisoner hear
What gospel has to tell!
’Tis perfect love that casts out fear,
And brings him from his cell.

6 The man that feels his guilt abound,
And knows himself unclean,
Will find the gospel’s joyful sound
Is welcome news to him.