64
AFRAID TO DIE.
Afraid to die!—afraid to meet
The guardian bands who watchful wait,
And spread their radiant pinions wide
To bear us through salvation's gate?
Afraid to die!—prefer to be
A stranger in these courts below,
A pilgrim, when the lights of home
Bright 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.
