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About Numbered Notation

Numbered Notation (also called Jianpu, 简谱) writes each melody note as a number from 1 to 7 instead of a note on a staff. The number shows the note's position in the song's scale -- not its exact pitch -- so the same tune looks identical no matter what key it's sung in.

Within one octave, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 correspond to the familiar do re mi fa sol la ti. A dot above a number raises it an octave higher; a dot below lowers it an octave lower -- no dot means the middle, as-written octave.

A plain number lasts one beat. A dash (-) right after a number holds that same note for one more beat. A line underneath a number shortens it instead -- one line is half a beat, two lines a quarter of a beat. A 0 is a rest: silence for one beat.

The label at the top of the sheet, like "1=C" or "1=Ab", shows which pitch scale degree 1 ("do") is tuned to. A song in a minor key is labeled "6=X" instead -- scale degree 6 ("la") is the true tonic. Chord names printed above the notes (like "C" or "G7") always use their familiar letter names, never numbers.

For example, under a "1=C" heading, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sound as C D E F G A B. Under a "1=G" heading, those very same numbers sound as G A B C D E F# instead -- same shape, different key.

The love of God is greater far

Worship of the Father His Love

English28
1
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.
 
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
2
When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love, so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
3
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Words & Music © 1923, Ren. 1951 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.

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Mathew Zachariah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jul 7, 2013

The Spirit drew my attention to this song today early morning and this was the song we sang in our morning family prayer. Profound words: Oh The LOVE of God. Praise God.

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Marshakaydixondyser

Raeford, NC, United States

Jun 28, 2013

You can find the history on this lovely song by typing in the writer Frederick Lehman. It was written in its entirety in 1921 by him. Darrell Peebles is correct. I believe that verse was found on paper crumpled up...so do a search...interesting..I cannot find any artist or choire who has made a recording of the exact words here, in a search. I would like to share on my FB and with friends.

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Benny Gullett

Chapmanville, WV, United States

Mar 14, 2013

One of the greatest gospel songs ever written.

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Joan Jonland

Port Townsend, Washington, United States

Mar 9, 2013

This hymn is so powerful and so sweet, it breaks my heart.

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Darrell Peebles

Rancho Cordova, Ca, United States

Feb 22, 2013

It has been widely reported that the words to this Hymn were discovered written on the walls of a mental institution with author unknown. What a blessing this song has been to me from the days of my childhood to me now a person in mid seventies.

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David

Zambia

Jan 26, 2013

What wonderful words. I have linked it up with Ephesians 3:18-19. The breadth, length, depth and height of the love of Christ. How wonderful and yet how sad that men who today "refuse to pray" will one day call upon the mountains to fall upon them - let us go out and tell them of this LOVE before it is too late.

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Lynn

Orange Park, Florida, United States

Nov 30, 2012

I know there is a story behind this song about a prisoner. Would someone be kind enough to share the story. Thanks!

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Dr. Curla Walters

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

Nov 28, 2012

Thank you. This song has meant so much to me over the years. I needed to find the words to expand on my thoughts about the love of God. Thanks for making it available on the computer. God is so awesome. You are doing a great work. Thank you.

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Guest

Kingston, Jamaica

Nov 13, 2012

Thanks Bill Chellberg for giving the history of the third verse. This is now my song.

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Sam Kiwomya

Bukoto-Masaka, Uganda

Sep 12, 2012

I am blessed to read and hear this excellent hymn.The composer has a unique talent. The love of GOD is constant and infinite. Let us always honour and praise God with humility for our daily blessings.

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