Nearer To Thee

( Originally Published 1868 )

MISS SARAH F. ADAMS

"As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God.

"My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God : when shall I come and appear before God?"—Psa. xlii. 1, 2,

" NEARER, My God, to thee
Nearer to thee !"
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
" Nearer, my God, to thee

Nearer to thee !"
Though like a wanderer,
The sun go down—
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone ;
Yet, in my dreams I'd be
Nearer, my God, to thee--
Nearer to thee !

There let my way appear
Steps unto heaven ;
All that thou sendest me
In mercy given ;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to thee—
Nearer to thee !

Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise, Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I'll raise ;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to thee—
Nearer to thee !

And when on joyful wing,
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be,
" Nearer, my God, to thee—
Nearer to thee!"