It is good for me to draw near to God.
Psalm 73:28
Words: Edward G. Taylor, in Gospel Hymns No. 5, edited by Ira D. Sankey, James McGranahan & George Stebbins (New York; Cincinnati, Ohio; & Chicago, Illinois: John Church and Biglow & Main, 1887), number 11.
Music: Buena Vista George C. Stebbins (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Taylor (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Closer, Lord, to Thee I cling,
Closer still to Thee;
Safe beneath Thy sheltering wing,
I would ever be;
Rude the blast of doubt and sin,
Fierce assaults without, within,
Help me, Lord, the battle win—
Closer, Lord, to Thee.
Closer yet, O Lord, my rock,
Refuge of my soul;
Dread I not the tempest shock,
Tho’ the billows roll.
Wildest storms cannot alarm,
For to me can come no harm,
Leaning on Thy loving arm—
Closer, Lord, to Thee.
Closer still, my help, my stay,
Closer, closer still;
Meekly there I learn to say,
Father, not my will
;
Learn that in affliction’s hour,
When the clouds of sorrow lower,
Love directs Thy hand of power—
Closer, Lord, to Thee.
Closer, Lord, to Thee I come,
Light of life divine;
Thro’ the ever blessèd Son,
Joy and peace are mine;
Let me in Thy love abide,
Keep me ever near Thy side,
In the Rock of Ages hide—
Closer, Lord, to Thee.