1. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee,
Nearer, nearer to thee—
Ever I’m striving to be
Nearer, yet nearer to thee!
Trusting, in thee I confide;
Hoping, in thee I abide.
Take, oh, take, and cherish me,
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee.
2. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee,
Nearer, nearer to thee—
Proved by my trials, I’ll be
Nearer, yet nearer to thee!
Humbly I come to thee now;
Earnest, I prayerfully bow.
Take, oh, take, and cherish me,
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee.
3. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee,
Nearer, nearer to thee—
Ever my anthem will be
Nearer, yet nearer to thee!
Loving thee, ever I pray,
Aid me thy will to obey.
Take, oh, take, and cherish me,
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee.
4. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee,
Nearer, nearer to thee—
Let me by holiness be
Nearer, yet nearer to thee!
When all my trials are done,
When my reward I have won,
Take, oh, take, and cherish me,
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee.
Text: Joseph L. Townsend, 1849–1942
Music: William Clayson, 1840–1887