W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

“It Is I: Be Not Afraid”

John Henry Newman (1801–1890)

WHEN I sink down in gloom or fear,

Hope blighted or delayed,

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 O! when judgment’s trumpet clear

Awakes me from the grave,

Still in its echo may I hear,

“’Tis Christ! He comes to save.”