From the recent opera JOHN BROWN by Kirke Mecham, this aria is sung by Annie, John Brown's adult daughter, in Act II recalling her abolitionist father's favorite hymn. This is a concert version of the aria.  The text suggests suggests that when we are confident of right action before God, we should have no fear to die. Go ahead, blow the trumpet (for the last judgement).  This foreshadows John's eventual capture and death and is reprised by other characters later in the opera.

Abbey Terry