Gospel Singing At Riley's Farm: The Church's One Foundation

Hymn Title: The Church’s One Foundation Author: Samuel John Stone (1839–1900) Written in 1866 as part of a collection called Lyra Fidelium: Twelve Hymns on the Twelve Articles of the Apostles’ Creed. Composer of the Tune: Samuel Sebastian Wesley (grandson of Charles Wesley) composed the most well-known tune: “Aurelia.” Brief Summary: "The Church's One Foundation" was written during a time of division within the Church of England. Samuel J. Stone wrote it as a response to a theological controversy involving Bishop John Colenso of Natal, who questioned the historical truth of parts of the Bible. The hymn is a declaration of the Church’s unity in Christ, despite visible divisions, persecution, or heresy. It emphasizes that Jesus is the sole foundation of the true Church, which is made up of all who are born of His Spirit, washed in His blood, and kept by His love. It also speaks of the Church’s sufferings, spiritual warfare, and ultimate triumph in eternity. The hymn calls believers to remain faithful and hopeful despite trials, because Christ remains the unshakable foundation. Lyrics (Full Version): The Church's one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord; She is His new creation By water and the Word: From heav'n He came and sought her To be His holy Bride; With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died. 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. Though with a scornful wonder Men see her sore 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. 'Mid toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war, She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore; Till, with the vision glorious, Her longing eyes are blessed, And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest. Yet she on earth hath union With God the Three in One, And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, Like them, the meek and lowly, On high may dwell with Thee. NOTE: Those wanting to read some of my many articles please go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton #hashtags #thechurchsonefoundation #samuelstone #hymnhistory #churchunity #jesuschrist #foundationinchrist #classicchurchmusic #faithinhymns #churchhymns #worshipsongs #oldhymns #spiritualsongs #truthinchrist #reformedfaith #biblestand #hymnofthefaith #aureliahymn #hymnstudy #victoryinchrist #perseveranceinthestorm