The Benighted Traveler

I

Forest beasts that live by prey,
Seldom show themselves by day;
But when day-light is withdrawn,
Then they rove and roar till dawn.

II

Who can tell the trav’ler’s fears
When their horrid yells he hears?
Terror almost stops his breath,
While each step he looks for death.

III

Thus, when Jesus is in view,
Cheerful I my way pursue;
Walking by my Saviour’s light
Nothing can my soul affright.

IV

But when he forbears to shine,
Soon the trav’ler’s case is mine;
Lost, benighted, struck with dread,
What a painful path I tread!

V

Then my soul with terror hears,
Worse than lions, wolves, or bears,
Roaring loud in every part,
Through the forest of my heart.

VI

Wrath, impatience, envy, pride,
Satan and his host beside,
Press around me to devour;
How can I escape their power?

VII

Gracious Lord, afford me light,
Put these beasts of prey to flight;
Let thy pow’r of love be shown;
Save me, for I am thine own!