Not the law of letters (Hymn 541)

Verse 1: Not the law of letters, But the Christ of life God desires to give us, Saving us from strife; It is not some doctrine, But ’tis Christ Himself Who alone releases From our sinful self. Verse 2: Any kind of teaching, Any kind of form, Cannot quicken spirits Or our souls transform; It is Christ as Spirit Gives us life divine, Thus thru us to live the Life of God's design. Verse 3: Not philosophy nor Any element Can to Christ conform us As His complement; But ’tis Christ Himself who All our nature takes And in resurrection Us His members makes. Verse 4: Not religion, even Christianity, Can fulfill God's purpose Or economy; But ’tis Christ within us As our all in all Satisfies God's wishes, And His plan withal. Verse 5: All the gifts we're given By the Lord in grace, All the different functions Cannot Christ replace. Only Christ Himself must Be our all in all! Only Christ Himself in All things; great or small!