"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.
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.
Jesus, keep me near the cross;<br /> There a precious fountain,<br /> Free to all, a healing stream,<br /> Flows from Calvary's mountain.<br />
Refrain: In the cross, in the cross,<br /> Be my glory ever,<br /> Till my raptured soul shall find<br /> Rest beyond the river.<br />
Near the cross, a trembling soul,<br /> Love and mercy found me,<br /> There the Bright and Morning Star<br /> Shed its beams around me.<br />
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,<br /> Brings its scenes before me;<br /> Help me walk from day to day,<br /> With its shadows o'er me.<br />
Near the cross I'll watch and wait,<br /> Hoping, trusting ever, <br /> Till I reach the golden strand<br /> Just beyond the river.<br />