Well before the Titanic struck the iceberg and the strains of Nearer, My God, to Thee could be heard from the orchestra as the ship slipped below the waves, this hymn was a great blessing to Christendom.  It wasn't well-received at first, but Sarah Flower Adams' words were set to a new tune and its acceptance grew.  The hymn tells the story of Jacob at Bethel.  While few, if any, of us will have the kind of awe-inspiring dream of a stairway to heaven with the accompanying angels, we have the connection of our Lord Jesus.  He came and lived with us and sent the Holy Spirit to be with us continuously.  He, indeed, keeps us near. Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copyright © 1955 by Baker Book House Company. Used by permission of Baker Book House Company.