The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God,
no torment shall ever touch them.
In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die,
their going looked like a disaster,
their leaving us, like annihilation;
but they are in peace.
If they experienced punishment as men see it,
their hope was rich with immortality;
slight was their affliction, great will their blessings be.
God has put them to the test
and proved them worthy to be with him;
he has tested them like gold in a furnace,
and accepted them as a holocaust.
When the time comes for his visitation they will shine out;
as sparks run through the stubble, so will they.
They shall judge nations, rule over peoples,
and the Lord will be their king for ever.
They who trust in him will understand the truth,
those who are faithful will live with him in love;
for grace and mercy await those he has chosen.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.

I trusted, even when I said:
  ‘I am sorely afflicted,’
and when I said in my alarm:
  ‘No man can be trusted.’

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.

How can I repay the Lord
  for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
  I will call on the Lord’s name.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
  you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
  I will call on the Lord’s name.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Anyone who hates his life in this world
will keep it for the eternal life.
Alleluia!