NEARER HOME. BY PHOEBE CARY.
Reading edition
Phoebe Cary, sister of Alice Cary, was born in Hamilton County, near Cincinnati, Sept. 24, 1824; died in Newport, R. I., July 31, 1871. Her educational advantages were superior to those of Alice, whose constant companion she was through life. “Nearer Home” was written when she was 18 years old. Intense sorrow for her sister, whom she survived, doubtless hastened her death.
One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o’er and o’er; I’m nearer my home today Than I ever have been before;
Nearer my Father’s house, Where the many mansions be; Nearer the great white throne, Nearer the crystal sea;
Nearer the bound of life, Where we lay our burdens down; Nearer leaving the cross, Nearer gaining the crown!
But lying darkly between, Winding down through the night, Is the silent, unknown stream, That leads us at length to the light.
Closer and closer my steps Come to the dread abysm; Closer Death to my lips Presses the awful chrism.
O, if my mortal feet Have almost gained the brink; If it be I am nearer home Even today than I think;
Father, perfect my trust; Let my spirit feel in death That her feet are firmly set On the rock of a living faith!