I offer for your consideration and edification the words of Samuel J. Stone's hymn, "The Church's One Foundation" (AHB 385). Please note in particular the 3rd and subsequent verses.
I chose this as my contribution at our occasional hymn-singing night at church on Sunday, and made mention of my choice in terms of the current tribulations in the UCA. If the tune does not immediately spring to mind then go to http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/aus77.html and a quick download MIDI version will be available for playing along with the words. -- Peter R. Ellis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Words: Samuel John Stone, 1868 Music: Aurelia, Somerstown, Llanfyllin Meter: 76 76 D The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation, by water and the word: from heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died. Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth, her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth; one holy Name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued. Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed; yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, "How long?" and soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song. Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war she waits the consummation of peace for evermore; till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blessed, and the great Church victorious shall be the Church at rest. Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in one, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won. O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee. ------------------------------------------------------ - You are subscribed to the mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put in the message body 'unsubscribe insights-l' (ell, not one (1)) See: http://nsw.uca.org.au/insights-l-information.htm ------------------------------------------------------
