The essence of the Kingdom is

The essence of the Kingdom is

A life that’s under heaven’s rule

A life whose nature is divine

With Christ experienced in full.

Such is this life: in spirit poor

With heart repentant

mourning

meek

Which is to others merciful

And purely God Himself doth seek;

As sons of God the peace to make

For righteousness e’en suffering pain;

Reviled and hurt for Jesus’ sake

Exceeding joyfulness to gain;

As salt to kill corruption rife

In darkness shining as the light

In heart and action right and true

In perfect love to claim no right.

This life self-glory doth renounce

And ever for God’s kingdom prays;

It trusts in God for every need

And seeks His kingdom first always.

’Tis strict with self

with others kind

And always dealing with the Lord;

It ever does the Father’s will

And acts according to His word.

To Satan it does not give ground

Nor to the world

or self

or sin

But seeks beneath the heaven’s rule

God’s full authority to win.

’Tis such a life which subjugates

All things with pow’r to God’s behest;

The time it hastens when the Lord

Will here His kingdom manifest.