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, 'Til 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.
Lyrics:
Leila Naylor Morris
Music:
Leila Naylor Morris
Tune: MORRIS
Meter: 9.10.9.10.
Words and Music by Leila N. Morris, 1862–1929
Leila Morris, the author and composer of this hymn, was active in the Methodist Episcopal church and in holiness camp meetings. She wrote more than 1,000 gospel hymns, and she continued writing even after going blind. “Nearer, Still Nearer,” was first published in 1898 in the Pentecostal Praises Hymnal.