"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 Arabic, 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.
See also List of works by Fanny Crosby
References