Together in Song ‎#457

457. The church’s one foundation

1 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.

2 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.

3 Though with a scornful wonder
the world sees her 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.

4 Through 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.

5 Yet she on earth has union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give to us the grace
like them, the meek and lowly,
in heaven to seek your face.

Text Information

• First Line: The church’s one foundation
• Author: Samuel John Stone, 1839-1900 (alt.)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  1 Corinthians 3:11-15
  ;
  Colossians 1:15-18
  ;
  Ephesians 1:20-23
  ;
  Ephesians 2:18-22
  ;
  Ephesians 4:1-6
  ;
  Ephesians 5:25-33
  ;
  Revelation 6:9-11
  ;
  Revelation 7:2-10
• Topic: Baptism; Christian Community; Communion of Saints; Consummation in Christ; Dedication of Church Buildgin; Eternal Life; Eucharist; Funerals; Hope; People of God; Saints Days and Holy Days: St Simon and St Luke; Unity of the Church

Tune Information

• Name: AURELIA
• Composer: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1810-76
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Key: D Major