Hymn Lyrics

PLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation.

Nearer, Still Nearer
Words: Leila Naylor Morris (1862–1929)
Music: Morris | Leila Naylor Morris (1862–1929)
1. Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Saviour, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, O 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 off’ring 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.
Till all its struggles and trials are past;
Then thro’ eternity, Ever I’ll be
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee;
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.


The original fourth verse above was apparently altered by Henry Lake Gilmour (1836–1920) and given as follows in later hymnals:

4. Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages, ever to be,
Nearer, my Saviour, still nearer to Thee,
Nearer, my Saviour, still nearer to Thee.