1. 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.
2. Such is this life: in spirit poor,
  With heart repentant, mourning, meek,
  Which is to others merciful
  And purely God Himself doth seek;
3. As sons of God the peace to make,
  For righteousness e'en suffering pain;
  Reviled and hurt for Jesus' sake,
  Exceeding joyfulness to gain;
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. '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.
7. To Satan it does not give ground,
  Not to the world, or self, or sin,
  But seeks beneath the heaven's rule
  God's full authority to win.
8. '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.