Closer, Lord, to Thee I cling,
Closer still to Thee;
Safe beneath Thy sheltering wing
I would ever be;
Rude the blast of doubt and sin,
Fierce assaults without, within:
Help me, Lord, the battle win —
Closer, Lord, to Thee!
Closer yet, O Lord, my Rock,
Refuge of my soul;
Dread I not the tempest shock,
Though the billows roll:
Wildest storm cannot alarm,
For to me can come no harm,
Leaning on Thy loving arm —
Closer, Lord, to Thee!
Closer still, my Help, my Stay,
Closer, closer still;
Meekly there I learn to say,
“Father, not my will! "
Learn that in affliction's hour,
When the clouds of sorrow lour,
Love directs Thy hand of power-
Closer, Lord to Thee!
Closer, Lord, to Thee I come,
Light of life divine;
Through the ever blessed Son,
Joy and peace are mine;
Let me in Thy love abide,
Keep me ever near Thy side,
In the “Rock of Ages “hide-
Closer, Lord, to Thee!