Forgiveness! 'tis a joyful sound To malefactors doomed to die; Lord, may this bliss in me be found; May I redeeming grace enjoy. 'Tis the rich gift of love divine; 'Tis full, out-measuring every crime; Unclouded shall its glories shine, And feel no change by changing time. O'er sins unnumbered as the sand, And like the mountains for their size, The seas of sovereign grace expand, The seas of sovereign grace arise. For this stupendous love of heaven What grateful honours shall we show? Where much transgression is forgiven. May love in equal ardour glow. Thomas Gibbons (1720-1785)