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.