August 10, 2005

Have faith in God –
For final victory;
Have faith in God –
His shining lamp to see;
Have faith in God –
From death and doubting free.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Nearer, Still Nearer

Words and Music by Leila Naylor Morris, 1862-1929

    The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18.

    Leila Morris, the author and composer of this hymn, was active in the church and camp meetings during her lifetime. She wrote more than 1,000 hymns, and she continued writing even after going blind. Nearer, Still Nearer was first published in 1898 in the Pentecostal Praises Hymnal.

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior—so precious Thou art!
Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast.
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest”;
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest.”

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offr’ing to Jesus, my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine!
Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign,
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last.
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages ever to be
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee;
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee!

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission