NEARER TO THEE by Frank L. Stanton

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 26, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 47.

"NEARER TO THEE."

By Frank L. Stanton

They were singing, sweetly singing, And the song melodiously On the evening air was ringing: "Nearer, O my God, to thee!" In my eyes the tear-drops glistened As it stirred the twilight dim, And I wondered as I listened If it brought them nearer him.

Were they like the wanderer, weary, Song and life in sweet accord, Resting in the darkness dreary In that nearness to the Lord? Had his Spirit ever sought them, To be slighted or denied? Had that dear song ever brought them Closer to the Saviour's side?

I have heard its music often, Felt its meaning deep and sweet, And my weary heart would soften Singing at my Master's feet; "Nearer thee"—O precious feeling!— Nearer thee in gain and loss; Nearer thee when I am kneeling In the shadow of thy cross!

Nearer thee when love descending Falls in blessing on my head; Nearer thee when I am bending O'er the graves that hide my dead! Nearer thee in joy, in sorrow, 'Tis the same where'er I roam; Nearer thee to-day, to-morrow, O my King, my Christ, my home! —Frank L. Stanton.