The United Methodist Hymnal

407

Close to Thee

1.	Thou my everlasting portion, 
	more than friend or life to me, 
	all along my pilgrim journey, 
	Savior, let me walk with thee.

Refrain:
	Close to thee, close to thee, 
	close to thee, close to thee, 
	all along my pilgrim journey, 
	Savior, let me walk with thee.

2.	Not for ease or worldly pleasure, 
	nor for fame my prayer shall be; 
	gladly will I toil and suffer, 
	only let me walk with thee.

Refrain:
	Close to thee, close to thee, 
	close to thee, close to thee, 
	gladly will I toil and suffer,
	only let me walk with thee.

3.	Lead me through the vale of shadows, 
	bear me o'er life's fitful sea; 
	then the gate of life eternal 
	may I enter, Lord, with thee.

Refrain:
	Close to thee, close to thee, 
	close to thee, close to thee, 
	then the gate of life eternal
	may I enter, Lord, with thee.

WORDS: Fanny J. Crosby, 1874
MUSIC: Silas J. Vail, 1874
Theme: Discipleship and Service; Guidance; Pilgrimage; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Personal Holiness