Watchman, Blow the Gospel Trumpet

Watchman, blow the Gospel trumpet,
Every soul a warning give;
Whosoever hears the message
May repent, and turn and live.

Refrain

Blow the trumpet, trusty watchman,
Blow it loud o’er land and sea;
God commissions, sound the message!
Every captive may be free.

Sound it loud o’er every hilltop,
Gloomy shade and sunny plain;
Ocean depths repeat the message,
Full salvation’s glad refrain.

Refrain

Sound it in the hedge and highway,
Earth’s dark spots where exiles roam;
Let it tell all things are ready,
Father waits to welcome home.

Refrain

Sound it for the heavy laden,
Weary, longing to be free;
Sound a Savior’s invitation,
Sweetly saying, “Come to Me.”

Refrain

Author: Henry L. Gilmour

Year: 1896

Henry L. Gilmour (also known as H. L. Gilmour) is the most commonly credited author of both words and music for this gospel song. Some hymnals list the text as anonymous or traditional, but the majority of sources, especially those associated with the Salvation Army and late-19th-century American gospel hymnals, attribute it to Gilmour.