Near Jesus

I want to live near Jesus,
And never go astray,

I want to live near Jesus,
And never go astray,
To feel that I am growing
More like Him every day;
That I am always laying
My treasure up above,
And gaining more the spirit
Of His gentleness and love.

I want such steadfast purpose
My mission to fulfil,
That it may be my meat and drink
To do my Father’s will,
To follow in His footsteps,
Who never turned aside
From the path that leads to heaven,
Though often sorely tried.

Oh! that in His humility
My spirit may be clad!
That I may have the patience
My suffering Saviour had,
A heart more disengagéd
From earth and earthly things,
Which through life’s varied trails
To Jesus simply clings.

Oh! I shall live near Jesus,
And never go astray,
And every sin-defiling stain
Shall soon be washed away;
And I’ll bear my Master’s image
When I see Him face to face,
Then earth shall lose the power
Its brightness to deface.