THE CHURCH

Christ has, in answer to His heart,

Without man’s work or gilding,

But glorified though heaven’s art,

A vessel of His building.

A vessel formed for His delight

Is what His glorious church is;

He gave up all, so that He might

Have it by right of purchase.

And she is His since God ensured

Christ should not be alone:

The counsel of His will secured

One fit to share His throne.

How great the joy which will be His

In glory at His side,

Because the Holy Spirit is

Her help, and strength, and guide.