Today’s song comes from James E Seddon (1915-1983), and it’s based on 1 Peter 2. Seddon received his musical training at the London College of Music and Trinity College in London and his theological training at the Bible Churchmen’s Theological College (now Trinity College) in Bristol. He served various Anglican parishes in England and was a missionary in Morocco from 1945 to 1955 (many of his thirty hymns are based on mission­ary themes), as well as the home secretary for the Bible Churchmen’s Missionary Society from 1955 to 1967¹. Enjoy!

Church of God, elect and glorious,
holy nation, chosen race;
called as God’s own special people,
royal priests and heirs of grace:
know the purpose of your calling,
show to all his mighty deeds;
tell of love which knows no limits,
grace which meets all human needs.

God has called you out of darkness
into his most marvellous light;
brought his truth to life within you,
turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you
that God’s name be glorified;
and all find fresh hope and purpose
in Christ Jesus crucified.

Once you were an alien people,
strangers to God’s heart of love;
but he brought you home in mercy,
citizens of Heaven above.
Let his love flow out to others,
let them feel a Father’s care;
that they too may know his welcome
and his countless blessings share.

Church of God, elect and holy,
be the people he intends;
strong in faith and swift to answer
each command your master sends:
royal priests, fulfil your calling
through your sacrifice and prayer;
give your lives in joyful service –
sing his praise, his love declare.

¹hymnary.org/text/church_of_god_elect_and_glorious#Author

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