Sacred Songs No. 2 ‎#34

34. The Greatest Thing

1 The greatest thing on earth below
Is love to God and men;
When heart and soul shall overflow,
The hand is ready then;
The greatest thing in heav’n is love;
It drew salvation’s plan;
The Saviour left the realms above,
To die for ruined man.

Refrain:
Oh, love of God so soundless!
Oh, love of man to man!
It brings the world of glory nigh,
And seals redemption’s plan.

2 What earthly pow’r can e’er bestow
This love for God and men?
One way, and only one, we know—
“Ye must be born again;”
Be born of God; be born of love;
Around this second birth,
Revolve our hopes of life above,
Of service here on earth. [Refrain]

3 When love to God and love to man
The heart can truly feel,
It moves in haste at God’s command,
With ardent love and zeal;
Oh, source of love! with solemn awe
Our hearts to Thee we bring;
Love only will fulfill the law,
And love will crown the King. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The greatest thing on earth below
• Title: The Greatest Thing
• Author: Mary B. Wingate
• Refrain First Line: O love of God so boundless
• Publication Date: 1899
• Scripture:
  Romans 13:10
• Topic: Love

Tune Information

• Name: [The greatest thing on earth below]
• Composer: James McGranahan