1  The essence of the Kingdom is

    A life that's under heaven's rule,

    A life whose nature is divine

    With Christ experienced in full.

 2  Such is this life: in spirit poor,

    With heart repentant, mourning, meek,

    Which is to others merciful

    And purely God Himself doth seek;

 3  As sons of God the peace to make,

    For righteousness e'en suffering pain;

    Reviled and hurt for Jesus' sake,

    Exceeding joyfulness to gain;

 4  As salt to kill corruption rife,

    In darkness shining as the light,

    In heart and action right and true,

    In perfect love to claim no right.

 5  This life self-glory doth renounce

    And ever for God's kingdom prays;

    It trusts in God for every need

    And seeks His kingdom first always.

 6  'Tis strict with self, with others kind,

    And always dealing with the Lord;

    It ever does the Father's will

    And acts according to His word.

 7  To Satan it does not give ground,

    Nor to the world, or self, or sin,

    But seeks beneath the heaven's rule

    God's full authority to win.

 8  'Tis such a life which subjugates

    All things with pow'r to God's behest;

    The time it hastens when the Lord

    Will here His kingdom manifest.