Purer Yet and Purer
By Anonymous (1877)
Lyrics
I would be in mind,
Dearer yet and dearer,
Every duty find;
Hoping still, and trusting,
I shall have no fear,
Patiently believing
Thou wilt make all clear.
In the hour of pain;
Surer yet and surer
Peace at last to gain.
Suffering still and doing,
To His will resigned,
And to God subduing
Heart and will and mind.
Ever onward run;
Firmer yet and firmer
Step as I go on.
Oft these earnest longings
Swell within my breast,
Yet their inner meaning
Ne’er can be expressed.
Out of clouds and sight,
Nearer yet and nearer
Rising to the light,
Light serene and holy,
Where my soul may rest,
Purified and holy,
Sanctified and blessed.
Bible Reference
Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8
Lectionary & readings
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Hymn scripture: Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8
About This Hymn
Purer Yet and Purer is a gentle and sincere hymn that expresses the believer’s longing for a clean heart and a life shaped by holiness. Though the author is unknown, the hymn appeared in the late nineteenth century and quickly found a place in devotional collections because of its humble spirit and earnest desire for spiritual growth. The hymn reflects the prayer of Psalm 51:10, where David pleads, asking God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. It also echoes Matthew 5:8, which promises that the pure in heart shall see God.
The hymn invites believers to pursue holiness not through self effort alone, but through continual dependence on the grace and power of God. Its longing for purity reaches into every area of life, encouraging Christians to seek sincerity in thoughts, words, desires, and daily conduct. The prayerful tone helps worshippers examine their lives with honesty, confess areas of weakness, and ask the Lord to refine their character so that they may live in a way that reflects His righteousness.
Throughout generations, the hymn has served as a useful tool in personal devotion, calling the believer to a life of deeper obedience, clearer conscience, and closer fellowship with God. Its message remains timeless, reminding Christians that true purity comes from the transforming work of God within the heart, and that a life shaped by His grace leads to joy, peace, and a more faithful walk with the Savior.
From the Dictionary of Hymnology
Related terms and concepts automatically matched to this hymn.
A beautiful land by faith I see Hymn
This hymn on heaven was given anonymously in the American Shining Star, New York, 1862, where it was entitled “The beautiful land.” It is widely used in America and appears in a few English Sunday school books.
Read moreA mourning class, a vacant seat Hymn
An anonymous hymn on the death of a scholar, first printed in the American Union Hymns of 1835. It is widely used in America but only in a few British Sunday school books.
Read moreA voice upon the midnight air Hymn
An anonymous Passiontide hymn contributed to J. Martineau’s Hymns for the Christian Church and Home, 1840, and later used in many Unitarian collections in Britain and America.
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