Scripture Verse

I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Will­iam M. Hays, in the Song Crown, by Aus­tin Tay­lor et al. (Aus­tin, Tex­as: Firm Foun­da­tion Pub­lish­ing, 1912), num­ber 87 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Hays (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

When we are thinking of Hea­ven and home,
He is near,
And when we are walk­ing the val­ley of gloom,
He is near us then.

Refrain

O what a friend He is to me,
Waiting to hear the faint­est call;
Ever un­chang­ing and ev­er to be
Close to us all.

When the poor soul by temp­ta­tion is tried,
He is near,
And when it is plunged ’neath the on­com­ing tide,
He is near us then.

Refrain

When in the soul doubts and fears do arise,
He is near,
And if in our sor­row the soul to Him cries,
He is near us then.

Refrain