I am with you always.
Matthew 28:20
Words: Dr. T. G. Chattle, in the The Gospel Singer, edited by Philip Phillips (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lee & Walker, 1874), page 50. Note: This song book does not name the lyricist. Chattle is credited in the 1877 Gospel Echoes.
Music: Edirne W. Warren Bentley, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Chattle’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Gentle Savior, be Thou near us,
As we from each other part;
May Thy Word, its truth impressing,
Shed its light on every heart.
As the closing hour draws near us,
And the night steals gently on;
Let Thy gracious presence cheer us,
Guard us till the coming morn.
When the night of death comes o’er us,
And our earthly prayers are o’er,
Oh, receive us home to glory,
There to praise Thee evermore.