1 The unity of the Church is but
The saints in oneness living;
The Spirit which indwelleth them
This oneness ever giving.
Thus it is realized and called
The unity of Spirit;
'Tis based upon the common faith
Which all the saints inherit.
2 This precious faith of all the saints,
Is constituted solely
Of Christ and His redemptive work,
Which are unique and holy.
In this the saints are truly one,
Together all agreeing,
And it is from this common faith
The Church came into being.
3 The Church within the universe
Is one as Christ's possession;
The Church must therefore locally
Be one in her expression;
For all her elements are one —
One God, one Lord, one Spirit,
One faith, baptism, Body too,
One hope all saints inherit.
4 This oneness is the Church's ground,
The ground of common standing,
The only ground of unity
The Spirit is demanding.
The Church in actual practise thus
May keep her vital union,
And her expressions locally
Be built up in communion.
5 Lord, help us ever strive to keep
This unity by taking
The Church's ground of unity,
The Body-life partaking,
That all Thy heart's profound desire
May fully be effected,
And God's eternal purpose may
Completely be perfected.