Brethren, be ye not affrighted

1 Brethren be ye not affrighted;
God is yet among you here;
You are still with Him united,
And His grace is ever near.
His corrections prove His love,
Showered on us from above.
Let this be your consolation!
Why despair in tribulation?

2 Though the waves of life’s great ocean
Harasses from far and near,
Would humanity’s commotion
Plunge us into sore despair;
Though the Saviour holds His peace,
Seems to sleep and rest at ease,
Naught shall move your faith in Jesus;
Soon the storm and flood decreases.

3 Rocks and mountains may be scattered
Though so firmly they may stand;
If the whole earth should be shattered
And become as sinking sand,
Still His precious Word remains,
Us in life and death sustains,
That in no wise we should wander
From the path that leads up yonder.

4 Though the tears and sorrows often
Be thy food and daily drink;
And thy sighs and lamentations
With thy songs and praises link;
Grief and envy press thy heart,
And thy earthly goods depart;
Zion, do not fear nor waver!
Thou shalt see God’s help and favor.

5 If with anguish thou art shaken,
If men bind and torture thee,
Thou wilt never be forsaken--
Think upon eternity!
Stand in faith and do not fear,
For thy Lord is ever near.
Zion, let His hand direct thee;
He will strengthen and protect thee!

6 Then rejoice! The end is coming
And the evening draweth nigh;
Yield to God in true submission;
He will free you from on high.
For your sorrow, grief, and strife,
He’ll bestow the crown of life;
God, thy shield, will watch and cherish;
But the world in shame will perish.

7 Hallelujah! Bliss and rapture
Now with glorious might appear!
For the sun of grace and splendor,
Jesus Christ, the King, draws near,
Greets thee with thy soul’s release
And bestows the kiss of peace;
Zion, all thy tears and sadness
Vanish now in joy and gladness.


Source: Zion's Harp: a collection of hymns and songs for the Apostolic Christian Church of America #38