“Go ye into all the world." "Lo, I am with you alway.”
WHY should I weep, though none be near
Of all, who once were loved and dear?
Though now each star that lately shone,
By clouds obscured, is hid and gone?
Though friendless, from my earthly home
To other skies and climes I roam?
Why should I shed a bitter tear?
'T is Jesus calls, and God is here.
Why should I dread if storms arise
And darkness overspread the skies?
Though loud the awful tempest raves,
And fiercely swell the mountain waves?
The lightning's flash, the thunder's roll,
Should ne'er appall the Christian's soul:
My watchword in the hour of fear,
'T is Jesus calls, and God is here.
Why should I shrink from toil and pain,
From danger's path, or captive chain?
Though Afric's sun, with cloudless blaze
, Beat on me with its fiery rays;
And pale disease, with hurrying tread,
Step o'er the thousands of her dead
: Still the small, inward voice I hear,
'T is Jesus calls, and God is here.
Why should I faint, though they, for whom
I brave the sea, the storm, the tomb,
And burst each social tie to prove
The power of Christ's constraining love,
My counsels mock, my words neglect,
My Savior's grace and love reject?
Oh, even then this thought can cheer,
'T is Jesus calls, and God is here.
Why should I shrink, though not a friend
My life's departing hours attend;
None near to close my lifeless eye,
Or mark where cold my ashes lie?
E'en then His smile death's hour shall cheer,
His presence banish every fear;
To heaven my soul shall angels bear,
'T is Jesus calls, and God is there.