We have a treasure of great hymns that our culture has all but forgotten. This is one written by a Presbyterian minister in 1903 following the death of two of his nieces at an early age from diphtheria.
Our music changes when we experience great sorrow, loss, and suffering. I rehearsed this hymn early this morning (04/13/2016) in preparation for Sunday.
It’s one of my favorites.
NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD
Cleland B. McAffee
1903
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
