Afflictions of Zion

P. M
696 Lloyds Hymnal

God, who rules the times and seasons,
Doubtless for the best of reasons,
Has been pleased to visit Zion,
With afflictions sore and trying.

Chorus
When, O when will Christ the Saviour
Come, his little flock to favor?
When, O when?

 See of late the sad declension,
Bitter strife and fierce contention;
Fiery zeal and persecution,
Raging like the troubled ocean.

See the proud assuming spirit,
Some among us now inherit;
Striving who shall have dominion,
Slaves to popular opinion.

 See the world and church uniting
In the work of proselyting;
Wood, and hay, and stubble bringing,
To build up the gospel kingdom.

See the train of "means and measures,"
Filthy lucre, worldly pleasures;
Honors, titles, wealth, and numbers,
All combined to gain more members.

See the wide-spread desolations,
Churches and associations,
Once so happily united,
Now are like a house divided.

Christian fellowship and union,
Correspondence and communion,
All are sacrificed together;
Brother scandalizing brother.

Oh! it is a day of terror;
Dark and lowering clouds of error
Over devoted Zion hover;
Oh! when will the storm pass over?