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. ''