If the Son…shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36
Words: Edward A. Horton, in Heart and Voice, edited by Charles W. Wendte (Boston, Massachusetts: George H. Ellis, 1909), number 269, alt.
Music: Mrs. A. T. Cobb (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Mrs. Cobb’s full name, or where to get a good photo of her (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Warm over the skies the sunshine lies,
The birds and buds are here;
Valley and hill with rapture thrill
As lovely spring draws near.
Each little brook, with happy look,
Goes singing to the sea;
Now winter’s fierce hand withdraws from the land,
The fields once more are freed.
From sleeping in dark, the rootlets hark
To hear the south winds blow;
Out of the mould, away from the cold,
The grass begins to grow.
Now on the streams the golden beams
Of warmer days appear;
O lovely spring, what joy you bring
The Easter time is here.
Now freedom I bring,
says joyous Spring,
’Tis freedom for you today;
Rise to the light, as day from night,
For death has passed away.
Freedom I bring, and bid ye sing,
Of Him who loveth all;
Rise, happy hearts, for night departs,
O hear the Easter call.