“It is I; be not afraid.”
When I sink down in gloom or fear,
Hope blighted or delay’d,
Thy whisper, Lord, my heart shall cheer,
“‘Tis I; be not afraid!”
Or, startled at some sudden blow,
If fretful thoughts I feel,
“Fear not, it is but I!” shall flow,
As balm my wound to heal.
Nor will I quit Thy way, though foes
Some onward pass defend;
From each rough voice the watchword goes,
“Be not afraid! … a friend!”
And oh! when judgment’s trumpet clear
Awakes me from the grave,
Still in its echo may I hear,
“‘Tis Christ; He comes to save.”
At Sea. June 23, 1833.