Scripture Verse

For He hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

Introduction

Words: D. E. Good­hart, in Gar­lands of Praise (Phi­la­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: Asa Hull, 1876), num­ber 52.

Music: George W. Bau­meis­ter, in The Ban­ner of Vic­to­ry, by Alon­zo J. Ab­bey & Mer­ritt J. Mun­ger (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Ol­iv­er Dit­son, 1881), num­ber 66 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Good­hart or Bau­meis­ter’s full name, or where to get their pho­tos,

Lyrics

I am on my way to Zion,
To the city of my God;
I am treading the same pathway
That before the saints have trod;
Tho’ the road is rough and thorny,
And temptations often come,
Yet I know that every evening,
I am one day nearer home.

Refrain

Nearer home, nearer home,
I am one day nearer home;
Yes, I know, at every evening,
I am one day nearer home.

When I pass the gloomy valley,
Jesus will be there to guide;
He will lead me thro’ the darkness;
He’ll be ever at my side;
He’ll be with me at the river,
When I cross its darkest foam,
And in sweetest accents whisper,
Cheer up, soul, you’re nearer home.

Refrain

When I reach that land immortal,
When I join that holy throng,
With the saints and holy angels,
We will sing our glad new song;
We will sing the praise of Je­sus
’Neath the spires of Heav’n’s high dome.
There, with anthems loudly ringing,
Praise Him in our heav’nly home.

Refrain