1. There is a place of quiet rest Near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. 2. There is a place of comfort sweet Near to the heart of God, A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God. 3. There is place a place of full release Near to the heart of God, A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God. Chorus: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God.
Lyrics: Cleland Boyd McAfee
Music: Cleland Boyd McAfee
Tune: McAFEE
Meter: C.M. with Refrain
Words and Music by Cleland B. McAfee, 1866–1944
While he was serving as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Dr. McAfee was stunned to hear the shocking news that his two beloved nieces had just died from diphtheria. Turning to God and the Scriptures, McAfee soon felt the lines and the tune of this hymn flow from his grieving heart. On the day of the double funeral he stood outside the quarantined home of his brother, Howard, singing these words as he choked back the tears. The following Sunday the hymn was repeated by the choir of McAfee’s church. It soon became widely known and has since ministered comfort and spiritual healing to many of God’s people in times of need.