Scripture Verse

Come ye near unto me. Isaiah 48:16

Introduction

Words: Will­iam H. Hor­ner, in Songs of Joy and Glad­ness No. 2 (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Mc­Don­ald, Gill & Com­pa­ny, 1890).

Music: John R. Swe­ney (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Hor­ner (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
John R. Sweney (1837–1899)

Lyrics

Jesus, keep me near Thee,
Never let me stray,
Keep me, precious Sav­ior,
Faithful every day,
Oh, be Thou my leader,
All thro’ life’s long way,
And take me home to Heav’n at last.

Refrain

Jesus, keep me near Thee,
Lead me in the blessèd narrow way,
Jesus, keep me near Thee,
Never from Thy fold to stray.

Jesus, keep me near Thee,
When temptations come,
May I ne­ver wander
Back in sin to roam,
But be faithful ever,
When abroad or home,
And safe arrive in Heav’n at last.

Refrain

Jesus, keep me near Thee,
When the clouds arise,
And when storms of trial
Darken earthly skies,
May Thy heav’nly sunshine
Gladden then mine eyes,
And guide me safe to Heav’n at last.

Refrain

Jesus, keep me near Thee,
In life’s every care,
May Thy blessèd presence
Cheer me ev­ery­where,
And may blessèd comfort
Come thro’ faith and prayer,
To fit my soul for Heav’n at last.

Refrain

Jesus, keep me near Thee,
Ever constant Friend,
All thro’ life’s long journey,
Till I see its end,
Cheer me then in death, and
Shining angels send,
To take me home to Heav’n at last.

Refrain