Near the Cross


"Near the Cross", alternatively titled "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" or "In the Cross", is a Christian hymn written by Fanny Crosby and published in 1869.

Composition

The tune was composed by William Howard Doane before Crosby wrote the lyrics. The song is in F major and time. It remains one of Crosby's best-known hymns and has been translated into several languages, including German, Russian, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.

Lyrics

Jesus, keep me near the cross;

There a precious fountain,

Free to all, a healing stream,

Flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross,

Be my glory ever,

Till my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,

Love and mercy found me,

There the Bright and Morning Star

Shed its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,

Brings its scenes before me;

Help me walk from day to day,

With its shadows o'er me.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait,

Hoping, trusting ever,

Till I reach the golden strand

Just beyond the river.