1 

Not of letters, but of spirit,

   The New Testamental way;

For 'tis life the spirit giveth,

   But the letters always slay.

Outward work God never reckons,

   But what's from the inmost part;

It is not to serve in letter,

   But life's newness to impart.

 2 

Not just by the outward teachings,

   But by His anointing moved;

Not just by the outward pattern,

   But by inward vision proved.

Not by human rules or rituals,

   But by heaven's rule within;

Not by human-made decisions,

   But by guidance giv'n of Him.

 3 

Not a dead religion serving,

   But in Christ as life to live;

Not theology dispensing,

   But a living Christ to give.

Not the knowledge of mere doctrine,

   But the message Christ should be;

Not the gifts, the forms, the teachings,

   But God's Christ — reality.

 4 

Not objectively to worship,

   But to serve Him inwardly;

Not to preach a Christ objective,

   But Himself subjectively.

Not just by the Scripture serving,

   But in spirit and in life;

Not by flesh, but by the Spirit

   Filling, freeing from all strife.