107. Consolation

{182}
"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!" {183}

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.

Top | Contents | Works | Home


Newman Reader — Works of John Henry Newman
Copyright © 2007 by The National Institute for Newman Studies. All rights reserved.