Close to Thy side, my Saviour,
I'm shielded from all harm;
Beneath Thy broad wings' shelter,
I'm covered from the storm.
O, bind my wayward heart to Thee,
And bid my wandering eyes to see
The depth of all Thy love to me,
My Saviour!

Teach me that sweet dependence
Which knows not fear nor care,
But childlike rests upon
Thy breast And finds all solace there.
O, never let me from Thee stray
Into the distance, far away,
But keep me close to Thee, I pray,
My Saviour!

Only as in Thy presence,
I've power to conquer sin;
Only as Thee remembering
Can I the victory win.
O, draw this cold, dull heart to Thee,
And may its meditations be
Filled with sweet memories of Thee,
My Saviour !

And I would walk the desert
As cleaving to Thy side.
Rule in my heart, and ever
My faltering footsteps guide.
The rest which sweet obedience brings
Is his who e'en so closely clings
To Thee-he hears Thy whisperings,
My Lord, My God, My Savior !

H. McD.