First Line: Closer, Lord, to Thee I cling,

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 !

2 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 !

3 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 !

4 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 !