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Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter

Consolation explained

The speaker finds comfort in Christ's reassurance 'It is I; be not afraid' amidst despair, fear, and sudden trials.

What happens

The speaker finds comfort in Christ's reassurance 'It is I; be not afraid' amidst despair, fear, and sudden trials. The poem affirms trust in God's presence through life's challenges and looks forward to the resurrection with hope.

Themes in this chapter

  • Faith and Doubt

    The speaker battles gloom and fear, yet clings to Christ's promise.

  • Suffering and Humility

    Enduring sudden blows and fretful thoughts with humble trust.

  • Time and Memory

    Anticipation of the final judgment and resurrection.

Characters to notice

  • Unknown

    The speaker who sinks in gloom and fear, seeking reassurance.

  • Christ

    The one who whispers comfort and comes to save at judgment.

  • Lord

    Addressed as the source of cheer and healing.

Key passages

  • When I sink down in gloom or fear, Hope blighted or delay'd, Thy whisper, Lord, my heart shall cheer, " 'Tis I; be not afraid!"

    When I am overwhelmed by sadness or anxiety, and my hope seems ruined or postponed, your gentle reassurance, Lord, will comfort me: 'It is I; do not be afraid.'

    The core message of divine comfort in distress.

  • And oh! when judgment's trumpet clear Awakes me from the grave, Still in its echo may I hear, " 'Tis Christ; He comes to save."

    And when the clear trumpet of judgment calls me from death, may I still hear in its echo: 'It is Christ; He comes to save.'

    Hope in the resurrection and Christ's saving presence at the final judgment.

Verses on Various Occasions — Consolation Explained