One sweetly solemn thought
Comes to me o'er and o'er;
Nearer my home today am I
Than e'er I've been before.

Nearer my Father's house,
Where many mansions be;
Nearer today the great white throne,
Nearer the crystal sea.

Nearer the bound of life,
Where burdens are laid down;
Nearer to leave the heavy cross,
Nearer to gain the crown.

But, lying dark between,
Winding down through the night,
There rolls the deep and unknown stream
That leads at last to light.

Father, perfect my trust;
Strengthen my power of faith!
Nor let me stand, at last, alone
Upon the shore of death.