And Am I Born To Die?

Words by Charles Wesley (1753), tune ‘Idumea’ by Ananias Davisson (1816).
And am I born to die,
to lay this body down?
And must my trembling spirit fly,
Into a world unknown?
A land of deepest shade,
Unpierced by human thought,
The dreary regions of the dead,
Where all things are forgot?
Waked by trumpet sound,
I from my grave shall rise.
And see the Judge with glory crowned,
And see the flaming skies.
Soon as from Earth I go,
What will become of me?
Eternal happiness or woe,
Must then my portion be?
Will angel-bands convey
Their brother to the bar?
Or devils drag my soul away
Into the outer dark?
Must I from God be driven,
Or with my Saviour dwell:
Must come at his command to heaven,
Or else depart to hell?
Who can resolve the doubt
That tears my troubled breast?
Shall I be with the damned cast out,
Or numbered with the blest?
O thou that would not have
One wretched sinner die,
Thou died thyself, my soul to save
From hell's undying fire!
Thou art thyself the way,
Reveal thyself in me;
That when thou comest on thy throne,
I may with joy appear.

[@Yallquietendown]

Great singing, Thomas 👍🏻🙏🏻🔥

[@tomryan2851]

Hey, I just want to say that I love this song. I loved the shorter version, too, the one where you played outside, and the birds sang with you, but this is the one I come to when things look grim or dark. I leave on Monday for boot camp. No phones, no music. I'm going to miss having this here to come back and listen to. Like I reassuring friend. I just wanted to let you know of the impact your music has had on a total stranger over so many months. Thank you for this. Really, thank you.

[@ThomasOwenFolk]

Tom,
I love this song too - both long & short versions. The two versions have a thread of heavenward hope that runs through them. I think the short version is characterised by doubt and uncertainty, whereas the long version is characterised by fear & trembling. This song in particular has been something of a meditation for me so I’m pleased to hear that this recording has been a source of comfort to you. I wish you all the best as you leave for bootcamp.
- Thomas.