The Heart Song

THE HEART SONG [Who in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not sung, or heard sung, the song, "Nearer, Dear Savior, To Thee"? It will interest us all to read what its veteran author, who has contributed many beautiful poems to the Era, from time to time, has to say in verse about this well known and popular Sunday School song, so particularly consoling and appropriate at this Christmastide. Here follows what he writes about it to the Improvement Era; he calls it his "Heart Song." — Editors.] It was only a little heart-song That I wrote, in a mood, one day, When my burden of sorrow was heavy, And I often knelt to pray. Then the words were set to music, In a tune with a pleading air, That blended a heart-felt pathos And made it a song of prayer. And I feel now, often, its comfort, In the trend of my lingering days, When it comes in my memory often, Like an anthem of prayer and praise. And as prayer it is answered daily, While my Savior I feel is near, And the joy of his love and mercy Is a fountain of peace and cheer. Came a time when an aged woman, From her beauty and strength all shorn — For by many a wave of sorrow Had her life been made forlorn — And she thanked me for the comfort That my song gave to her life, With the hope and faith of heaven To release from care and strife. On each other our lives are dependent, Though 'tis little that one can do; By the truth we teach one another, We become to each other true. Like my simple effort is singing To the hearts that have known distress, There's an uplifting faith in many a song To control, give aid, and to bless. Los Angeles, Calif. I JOSEPH LONGKING TOWNSEND.

THE HEART SONG 161 The Song NEARER, DEAR SAVIOR, TO THEE (For music see Desecet Sunday School Song Book, p. 70.) Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, Nearer, nearer to tnee; Ever I'm striving to be Nearer, yet nearer to thee! Trusting, in thee I confide, Hoping, in thee I abide — Take, O take and cherish me. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, Nearer, nearer to thee; Ever my anthem will be Nearer, yet nearer to thee! Loving thee, ever, I pray, Aid me thy will to obey — Take, O take and cherish me, Nearer, dear Savior, to thee. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, Nearer, nearer to thee; Proved by my trials I'll be Nearer, yet nearer to thee! Humbly J come to thee now, Earnest, I prayerfully bow- Take, O take and cherish me. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, Nearer, nearer to thee; Let me by holiness be Nearer, yet nearer to thee! When all my trials are done, When my reward I have won Take, O take and cherish m*-. Nearer, dear Savior, to thee! Friends We were boys together, Just little lads at play; We were friends together, And each one had his way. We were youths together, And camped in forests wild; We were friends together, Where maidens on us smiled. We were men together, In happiness and grief; We were friends together, And neither one was chief. He passed beyond and left me ; Oft times I'm lonely here; But Death has not bereft me Of memories ever dear. provo. Utah George H. Brimhall