AFRAID? OF WHAT?

Afraid of What? (Poem)
by E.H. Hamilton

E.H. Hamilton, a Presbyterian missionary to China, wrote the poem below to reflect upon and commemorate the martyrdom of his fellow missionary J.W. Vinson (1880-1931).

In October 1931, as Vinson visited some believers 18 miles from his mission station, the area was overwhelmed by a group of 600 bandits. A young Chinese girl who escaped the situation related the incident that provided the inspiration for Hamilton’s poem.

“Are you afraid?” the bandits asked Vinson as they menacingly waved a gun in front of him.

“No,” he replied with complete assurance. “If you shoot, I go straight to heaven.”
His decapitated body was found later.

—-
AFRAID? OF WHAT?

Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit’s glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Saviour’s face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace,
The glory gleam from wounds of grace,
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
A flash – a crash – a pierced heart;
Brief darkness – Light – O Heaven’s art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To enter into Heaven’s rest,
And yet to serve the Master blessed?
From service good to service best?
Afraid? Of that?

[instrumental]

Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not –
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Afraid? Afraid of what?

I’ve got life that is eternal
Death can’t freak me out
I’ve got a king whose waiting for me
And he’s standing up right now

I can hear the angels singing
The trumpets blowing loud
I’m not going to my funeral
I’m joining a party with my crowd

Haven’t got much longer till I’m finished pouring
Glory gleams are shining down
I see the face of Jesus smiling
He’s standing by His Throne

His arms are stretched towards me
And my time on earth is through
The gates have flown open
I’m mor now I’m going home

Afraid? Of What?

Afraid? Fear has no voice
Death has no sting
The face that I’m now seeing
Is the face of my king

Jesus almighty God
Everlasting Father
My savior you are
(I’m captured by your love)
(I’m captured by your love)
(Perfect victory is here)
(Love always conquers fear)

Poem by E.H. Hamilton
Additional lyrics, composition & arrangement - Danny Steyne
Copyright ©2025 Danny Steyne