Moravian Book of Worship ‎#516

516. The Church of Christ

1 The church of Christ, which he has hallowed here
to be his house, is scattered far and near
in north, and south, and east, and west abroad;
and yet in earth and heav'n, thro' Christ, her Lord,
the church is one.

2 One member may not know another here,
and yet their fellowship is true and near;
one is their Savior, and their Father one;
one Spirit rules them, and among them none
lives to one's self.

3 They live to him who bought them with his blood,
baptized them with his Spirit, pure and good;
and in true faith and ever burning love,
their hearts and hopes ascend to seek above
th'eternal good.

4 O Spirt of the Lord, all life is yours;
now on your church your pow'r and strength out-pour,
that many children may be born to you
and through your knowledge may be brought anew
to sing Christ's praise.

Text Information

• First Line: The church of Christ, which he has hallowed here
• Title: The Church of Christ
• Author: Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg (1745)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863, alt.)
• Meter: 10.10.10.10.4. Iambic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Romans 12
  ;
  1 Corinthians 12
  ;
  Ephesians 4:1-24
• Topic: Nature of the Church; Church--Foundation and nature; Church--Unity; Conversion; Fellowship; Life in Christ

Tune Information

• Name: FIDEI UNITAS
• Meter: 10.10.10.10.4. Iambic
• Key: G Major
• Source: Folksong (c. 1100); Sacred melody (c. 1250); First printed by Johann Walther (1524); C. Gregor Choralbuch (1784)
• Notes: 58 B in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns