Here is love, vast as the ocean

Last revival meeting, Evan Roberts, July 1905

One of the most notable features of the Welsh Revival (1904-1906) was the sense of awe experience in tis congregational worship, often led by anointed soloists. The best known of whom was Annie Davies. Her rendering of this hymn was described by a reporter who was present at one of the meetings:

“Eventually, Annie Davies and another young girl sang “Here is love, vast as the ocean”. This moved almost everyone to tears. The place got unbearable now for many strong, experienced persons; some left the building under strong, deep emotion. A reporter so forgot himself as to drop his note-book upon the floor. The writer will never forget the scene. Scarcely could one control his feelings, in order to take a correct impression of the meeting.”

The song remains as powerful today as it was then, especially when sung in the original Welsh.

You Tube version in Welsh and English

HERE IS LOVE, VAST AS THE OCEAN

Written by Robert Lowry, 1876 ; Verses 3 and 4 are attributed to William Williams, 1900

1. 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

H e can never be forgotten

Throughout heav’ns eternal days

2. 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

3. Let me, all Thy love accepting,

Love Thee, ever all my days

Let me seek Thy kingdom only

And my life be to Thy praise

Thou alone shall be my glory

Nothing in the world I see

Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me

Thou Thyself has set me free

4. In Thy truth Thou dost direct me

By Thy Spirit through Thy Word

And Thy grace my need is meeting

As I trust in Thee, my Lord

Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring

Thy great love and pow’r on me

Without measure, full and boundless

Drawing out my heart to Thee