291    C.M.     Rozzell
“Be strong, fear not.” Isa. 35. 3, 4; Rom. 8. 31

1 How prone the mind to search for ill,
  To fancy mighty woes!
  Shortly the cup of life will fill,
  And rob it of repose.

2 [How sharp and numerous are the pangs
  Imagination gives!
  So sharp, that life itself oft hangs
  In doubt, nor dies nor lives.]

3 [Could we our woes with truth divide,
  The sterling and ideal,
  What crowds would stand on fancy’s side!
  How few upon the real!]

4 Creatures of fear, we drag along,
  And fear where no fear is;
  Our griefs we labour to prolong!
  Our joys in haste dismiss.

5 Spirit of power, thy strength impart;
  This fearful spirit chase
  Far off, and make my feeble heart
  Thy constant dwelling-place.

6 O if to me thy strength be given,
  If thou be on my side,
  Then hell as soon shall conquer heaven
  As I can be destroyed.