'Tis my happiness below 
Not to live without the 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 Israel sows the seeds 
Of affliction, pain, and toil; 
These spring up and choke the weeds 
Which would else o'erspread 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 chastisement by the way, 
Might I not with reason fear 
I should prove a castaway? 
Bastards may escape the rod, 
Sunk in earthly vain delight; 
But the true-born child of God 
Must not -- would not, if he might.