Afraid to Die

Afraid to die!—afraid to sleepIn earth, our mother's tranquil breast,Where snares and troubles vex no more,And all the weary are at rest?

Afraid to die!—afraid to takeHis hand who trod the shadowy vale,And leads us on to pastures green,And living streams that never fail?

Afraid to die!—afraid to bearThe pang that but a moment tries,And, o'er the sway of pain and care,Ascend to mansions in the skies?

Afraid to die!—afraid to leaveThe cradle and the worthless toy,And take our ripen'd being's crown,And soar to consummated joy?

Afraid to die!—afraid to trustHis promise who shall burst the tomb,And raise the renovated dustMore glorious from its transient gloom?

Afraid to die!—afraid to meetThe guardian bands who watchful wait,And spread their radiant pinions wideTo bear us through salvation's gate?

Afraid to die!—prefer to beA stranger in these courts below,A pilgrim, when the lights of homeBright through our Father's windows glow?

Afraid to die!—ah! what avails,Whether by sickness, storm, or fire;The ethereal essence finds its place,And rises to the Eternal Sire?

Afraid to die?—O grant us grace,Thou who didst dare the spoiler's strife,Calmly to meet his cold embrace,And soar to everlasting life.