Precious Jesus, must it be

Verse 1

Precious Jesus! must it be, Is it thy all-wise decree, That afflictions must attend Zion to her journey’s end?

Verse 2

Must the heirs of endless bliss Travel through a wilderness, And, by savage beasts of prey, Be tormented night and day?

Verse 3

Yes, affliction is their lot; Earth is a polluted spot, Where a million evils dwell, All in league with death and hell.

Verse 4

Pains and sorrows, sins and woes, Will the Christian’s way oppose; Every day brings something new, Zion’s troubles to renew.

Verse 5

Yet, when faith is strong and true, They with cheerfulness go through, Scorning all created good, When opposed to Christ, their God.

Verse 6

Living faith will still esteem The reproaches of the Lamb, Greater riches than this earth Can afford the sons of mirth.

Verse 7

O for faith this choice to make, And endure, for Jesus’ sake, The reproaches of his cross, Counting all things else but dross!