1 

The unity of the Church is but

   The saints in oneness living;

The Spirit which indwelleth them

   This oneness ever giving.

Thus it is realized and called

   The unity of Spirit;

'Tis based upon the common faith

   Which all the saints inherit.

 2 

This precious faith of all the saints,

   Is constituted solely

Of Christ and His redemptive work,

   Which are unique and holy.

In this the saints are truly one,

   Together all agreeing,

And it is from this common faith

   The Church came into being.

 3 

The Church within the universe

   Is one as Christ's possession;

The Church must therefore locally

   Be one in her expression;

For all her elements are one —

   One God, one Lord, one Spirit,

One faith, baptism, Body too,

   One hope all saints inherit.

 4 

This oneness is the Church's ground,

   The ground of common standing,

The only ground of unity

   The Spirit is demanding.

The Church in actual practise thus

   May keep her vital union,

And her expressions locally

   Be built up in communion.

 5 

Lord, help us ever strive to keep

   This unity by taking

The Church's ground of unity,

   The Body-life partaking,

That all Thy heart's profound desire

   May fully be effected,

And God's eternal purpose may

   Completely be perfected.