Words & Music: , 1903. He wrote these words after two young daughters of his brother Howard died from diphtheria within 24 hours of each other. The choir at Park College, Parkville, Missouri, sang the new hymn at their Saturday night rehearsal, and were so moved by it that they went to Howard McAfee’s quarantined house and sang it outside the window.
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.
Refrain
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.
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.
Refrain
There is 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.
Refrain