I learned this song from the 1991 edition of the Denson Sacred Harp hymnal, "The Best Collection of Sacred Songs, Hymns, Odes, and Anthems ever offered the Singing Public for General Use."
Words from the Southern Harmony hymnal (1854), melody by Leonard P. Breedlove (1858).
My lyrics are a little different, I traded out some old-testament-y language for something a little more...merciful.
lyrics
What is this that in my soul is rising?
Is it grace? Is it grace?
Which makes me keep for mercy crying,
Is it grace? Is it grace?
This work that's in my soul begun,
It makes me strive all sin to shun,
It plants my soul beneath the sun,
Mercy's free! Mercy's free!
Great God of love, I can but wonder,
Mercy's free! Mercy's free!
Though I've no price at all to tender,
Mercy's free! Mercy's free!
And when to Jordan's banks we come,
And cross the raging billow's foam,
We'll sing, when safely landed home,
Mercy's free! Mercy's free!
This truth through all our life shall cheer us
Mercy’s free! Mercy’s free!
And through the vale of death shall bear us,
Mercy’s free! Mercy’s free!
And when the vale of death I’ve passed
And lodged beyond the stormy blast
I’ll sing if endless ages last
Mercy’s free! Mercy’s free!
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