1  Not of letters, but of spirit,

       The New Testament way;

    For 'tis life the spirit giveth,

       But the letters always slay.

    Outward work God never reckons,

       But what's from the inmost part;

    It is not to serve in letter,

       But life's newness to impart.

 2  Not just by the outward teachings,

       But by His anointing moved;

    Not just by the outward pattern,

       But by inward vision proved.

    Not by human rules or rituals,

       But by heaven's rule within;

    Not by human-made decisions,

       But by guidance giv'n of Him.

 3  Not a dead religion serving,

       But in Christ as life to live;

    Not theology dispensing,

       But a living Christ to give.

    Not the knowledge of mere doctrine,

       But the message Christ should be;

    Not the gifts, the forms, the teachings,

       But God's Christ — reality.

 4  Not objectively to worship,

       But to serve Him inwardly;

    Not to preach a Christ objective,

       But Himself subjectively.

    Not just by the Scripture serving,

       But in spirit and in life;

    Not by flesh, but by the Spirit

       Filling, freeing from all strife.