Near the Cross
# 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 $^6$ $_8$ 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.

