Here is love

William Rees (1802-1883) was a congregationalist minister in Liverpool. Among other things to come from his pen, the following is probably the most well known:

Here is love - vast as the ocean
loving kindness as the flood
when the prince of life, our ransom,
shed for us his precious blood
who his love - will not remember
who can cease to sing his praise?
He can never be forgotten
throughout heaven's eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion
fountains opened deep and wide
through the floodgates of God's mercy
flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love like mighty rivers
poured incessant from above
and heaven's peace and perfect justice
kissed a guilty world in love.

This is usually sung to "Dim Ond Iesu" by Robert Lowry (MP 987)

This is a great hymn, however I can't help but think that it is crying out for a third verse. Here is my offering:

Jesus rose and reigns in heaven,
interceding for his church,
and he sends his Holy Spirit;
bringing sinners to his cross.
Then one day with trumpets sounding,
the Lord Jesus will return,
and we'll praise the lamb forever
when in Christ we're welcomed home!

© Tim Parker 2006