Nearer, Still Nearer
From “My Master, and My Friend” recording.
There are times in the life of a believer in Christ when things get difficult, times when we need to go to the “Haven of Rest.” This place is found very close to God. The first verse of Nearer, Still Nearer says, “fold me close to thy breast”. That terminology is an old fashioned way of saying, “Lord, give me a hug.” When I can bring nothing to God but a sinful heart, He gives forgiveness. He died on the cross for the sins of mankind, was buried and rose again to give new life to those who will receive Him as their Lord and Savior.
This is just the beginning of growing nearer to God. The end of the life journey of those who have put their trust in Him will be a home in heaven, safe in glory, forever near the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. “Through endless ages ever to be Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee!”
Psalms 73:28: “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
1. 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.
2. Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring, Naught as an offering 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
Words & Music: Leila N. Morris, 1898.
Leila Naylor Morris was born on April 15, 1862 in Pennsville, Ohio. She died:on July 23, 1929, in Auburn, New York (at her daughter’s home). and lies buried in McConnelsville, Ohio. . As a child, Leila lived in Malta and McConnelsville, Ohio. In 1881, she married Charles H. Morris. Leila was active in the Methodist church, camp meetings, and song writing. She authored more than 1,000 gospel songs. When her eyes began to fail in 1913, her son built a 28-foot blackboard with oversized staff lines, so she could continue composing.
