Nearer My God, to Thee

Students of hymnology generally considered “Nearer, My God, to Thee“ written by Sarah Flower Adams to be the finest hymn ever written by any woman hymn writer. Sarah was born on February 22, 1805, at Harlow, England. She died at the early age of forty-three of tuberculosis. Sarah was widely known for her many literary accomplishments, though her delicate health was always a handicap for her many ambitions. In 1834 she married John Brydges Adams, a prominent inventor and civil engineer, and made their home in London. Sarah's talent, charm and exalted character always made a deep impression upon all who knew her.

Sarah’s sister, Eliza, was also a talented lady. Being an accomplished musician, she wrote the music for many of Sarah’s hymn texts. One day their Pastor, the Rev. William Johnson Fox, asked these two exceptional sisters if they would aid him in the preparation of a new hymnal he was compiling for the congregation. The two sisters soon became busily involved and committed to this project. Together, they contributed thirteen texts and sixty-two new tunes.

One day the two sisters were busily involved with their pastor in completing the final details for the new hymnal soon to be published, The pastor remarked that he wished he could find a hymn to conclude a sermon he was preparing on the account of Jacob and Esau as recorded in Genesis 28: 10-22. Sister Eliza interrupted enthusiastically, “Sarah, now there’s a excellent idea for a new hymn for our hymnal. Why don’t you write your own hymn about Jacob’s dream?”

“Splendid!” replied the pleased pastor. Later that day, after spending much time in studying the Genesis account, and feeling the dramatic movement of this Old Testament narrative, Sarah began to write. Soon she had versified the complete Biblical story in the five stanzas still in use today.

The text for this hymn is based on Genesis 28 and the dream that Jacob had in the desert when he was fleeing as a fugitive from his home and his brother Esau. Upon awakening from his dream and seeking the ascending and descending angels, Jacob called the place “Bethel” - “The House of God.”

“Nearer, my God, to Thee” was one of the hymns included in that new hymnal published in 1841. The hymn was introduced in America three years later in 1844. But it did not gain popularity for twelve years until it was wedded with the present tune, “Bethany,” composed especially for the text by Lowell Mason, often known as the father of American and school music.

The sixth stanza that we have include was written by Edward Henry Bickersteth, Jr., an honor graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge, Dean of Gloucester; and Bishop of Exeter (1885-1900). He edited three hymnals, and wrote at least 30 hymns of his own. Many very interesting incidents have been associated with the use of this hymn. During the Johnstown City Flood of May 21, 1889, a railroad train rushed into to the swirling waters. One car was turned on end, and in it was imprisoned, beyond the hope rescue, a woman on her way to be a missionary in the far East. The young lady spoke calmly to the awe stricken multitude gazing helplessly at the tragedy. Then she prayed and finally sang the hymn, 'Nearer, my God to Thee,” in which she was joined by the sorrowing, sympathizing crowd. As she sang, she was ushered into the presence of her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ whom she loved and desired to serve.

This hymn has also been the favorite hymn of many of the world’s great leaders. President William McKinley claimed this as his favorite hymn, and it is said he was heard to whisper its words as he drew his last breath. The hymn was widely sung and played at his funeral and at memorial services held throughout America in 1901.

There is also the well known account of the sinking of the ill-fated ship, The Titanic, as it plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic in 1912, sending 1500 people into eternity while the ship’s band played the strains of this hymn.

One would have to conclude that this hymn has been greatly used of God to bring spiritual comfort and blessings to many of His people everywhere. It expresses so aptly the common yearning in the heart’s of men to know God and to experience His nearness and victory.