NEARER by May E. Warren

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 29, 1883

NEARER.

By May E. Warren

“Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee; E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me.”

What solemn words to utter! What a prayer of trust, as well! What reaching toward the mountain Where holiness doth dwell! What yielding all to the Father, Believing he knoweth best! What cup, be it joy or sorrow, Must to our lips be pressed!

And oh, when the clouds drift over, And places grow strangely steep, To feel we are getting nearer, And to trust instead of weep! How many can sing in gladness, When all their sky is fair! But the mind that was in Jesus Alone can pray this prayer:

Nearer, nearer, my God, to thee. Who would carelessly sing? Nearer to God is blessedness Which only trust can bring. How oft ’tis the cross that raiseth The soul most near to God! How oft is the face most lifted Beneath the chastening rod!

Nearer, yes, we shall get nearer, Who to the King belong; Prayers are the steps that shall reach him, Be they speech or silence or song: Blessed each day to be nearer, And every night more near; And every thought grow sweeter And plainer, his voice to hear.

“Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee; E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me.” —May E. Warren.