’TIS my happiness below To encounter many a cross, But the Saviour’s power to know, Sanctifying every loss: Trials must and will befall; But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all— This is happiness to me.
God in Zion sows the seeds Of affliction, pain and toil; These spring up, and choke the weeds Which would overspread the soil: Trials make the promise sweet; Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low and keep me there.
Did I meet no trials here, No reproof along the way, Might I not, with reason, fear I should prove a castaway? Some, it seems, escape the rod, Sunk in earthly, vain delight; But the true-born child of God Must not, would not, if he might.
William Cowper, 1731-1800