  The following Poem was given at the conclusion of a lecture on “The Present Condition of Theodore Parker in Spirit Life” Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. Yes, I am nearer Thee! for flesh and sense Have been exchanged for an eternal youth; My spirit hath been born anew, and hence I worship Thee “in spirit and in truth.” Yes, I am nearer Thee! Though still unseen, Thy presence fills my life’s diviner part. Now that no earthly shadows intervene, I feel a deeper sense of what Thou art. Yes, I am nearer Thee! Thy boundless love Fills all my being with a rich increase, And soft descending, like a heavenly dove, I feel the benediction of Thy peace. Yes, I am nearer Thee! All that I sought Of Truth, or Wisdom, or Eternal Right, Is clearly present to my inmost thought, Like the uprising of a glorious light. Yes, I am nearer Thee! O, calm and still, And beautiful and blest beyond degree, Is this surrender of my finite will— Is this absorption of my soul in Thee. “O Thou! whom men call God and know no more!” When they shall leave the worship of the Past, And learn to love Thee rather than adore, All souls shall draw thus near to Thee at last. |
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