’Tis Jesus’ precious blood

1 Peter 1:18-19 forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot

1. What sacred fountain yonder springs
Up from the throne of God,
And all our cov’nant blessings brings?
’Tis Jesus’ precious blood.

2. What mighty sum paid all my debt,
When I a bond-man stood,
And has my soul at freedom set?
’Tis Jesus’ precious blood.

3. What stream is that which sweeps away
My sins, just like a flood,
Nor lets one guilty blemish stay?
’Tis Jesus’ precious blood.

4. What voice is that which speaks for me
In heaven’s high court, for good,
And from the curse hath set me free?
’Tis Jesus’ precious blood.

5. What theme, my soul, shall best employ
Thy harp before thy God,
And make all heaven to ring with joy?
’Tis Jesus’ precious blood.

I have seen “What sacred fountain yonder springs” credited both to Joseph Irons and his son William Josiah Irons. William Gadsby credits it to the father “J. Irons,” titles it “Precious Blood,” and connects it to 1 Peter 1:19. This is the correct attribution. This hymn was written by Joseph Irons and published as No. 234 in his hymnbook Zion’s Hymns, Composed by Joseph Irons, for the Use of Church and Congregation, Assembling in Grove Chapel, Camberwell. He gave it the title, which Gadsby followed, “Precious Blood.” Since this hymn is common meter, there are many good tunes with which it may be sung. I suggest Ortonville, by Thomas Hastings. This would result in doubly emphasizing the line “’Tis Jesus’ precious blood.” Avon seems another good possibility.

Joseph Irons was an English preacher, author, and hymn writer. He was born in 1785 in Ware. He was a good friend of John Newton. After the death of Newton, Irons joined the Non-comformists. He became pastor of the Grove Chapel, Camberwell, London in 1819 and held that position for 33 years. He died April 3, 1852. His burial location is currently unknown to this author.

The Morning Chronicle, Wednesday, April 7, 1852, p. 8