Come Close to the Savior

Come close to the Savior, thy loving Redeemer,
O sorrowing heart oppressed (sorely oppressed);
Life’s journey is dreary, thy spirit is weary;
O come unto Him and rest.
Come close to the Savior, O why dost thou linger?
He knoweth thy heart oppressed (sorely oppressed).
His promise believing, His message receiving,
O come unto Him and rest.

Refrain

Peacefully, tranquilly, tenderly rest,
Folding thy wings like a dove,
Peacefully, tranquilly, tenderly rest,
Safe in the arms of His love.

Come close to the Savior, He calleth thee gently,
Draw near to thy Father’s throne (thy Father’s throne);
His eyes will behold thee, His mercy enfold thee,
Why carry thy grief alone?
Come close to the Savior, O trust and remember,
Thro’ trials our souls are blest (richly are blest).
Whatever betide thee, thy Refuge will hide thee,
O come unto Him and rest.

Refrain

Come close to the Savior, earth’s pleasures are fleeting,
But Jesus will care for thee (He’ll care for thee);
Whatever may grieve thee, He never will leave thee,
Thy strength as thy day shall be.
Come close to the Savior, O come as a birdling
Flies back to its parent nest (flies to its nest).
Where peace like a river, flows onward forever,
O come unto Him and rest.

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1883

Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby) is the most likely author; this matches her style, common themes of invitation to rest in Christ, and use of refrains. The hymn appears in late-19th-century collections under her name (sometimes with music by William H. Doane or similar). No strong alternate attributions found.