1
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
Nothing then shall sever.
Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
Nothing then shall sever.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me.
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me.
3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me.
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
Leave His presence never.
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
Leave His presence never.
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Storrs, Connecticut, United States
This hymn is one of the best, and probably most enduring of Fanny J. Crosby‘s sacred lyrics. It was inspired by Colossians 1:29:
“For which also I labor, struggling according to His operation which operates in me in power. “
Francis Jane Crosby, the blind poet and hymnodist, was born in Southeast New York, March 24, 1820. She lost her eyesight at the age of six. She spent 12 years at the New York
Institute for the Blind where she became a teacher, and in 1858 married fellow student, Mr. Alexander Van Alstyne, a musician.
They had a baby girl but she died in her sleep not long after being born.
While George F. Root was the musical instructor at the institution, Fanny wrote the words to his popular song-tunes. “Rosalie, the prairie-flower, ” and the long favorite melody, “There’s music in the air” being among the many to which she supplied the text and the song name.
Her latter years were lived out in Bridgeport Connecticut, where she enjoyed a serene and happy old age until her death at age 94. She wrote over 8, 000 hymns and gospel songs with more than 100 million copies printed.
The tune for this hymn was composed by William Howard Doane. He and Fanny collaborated in writing over 1, 000 hymns. Sometimes William wrote the tune first and then she would be inspired to write the text . Other times Fanny wrote the lyrics first and he would then compose the music. They worked together for many years. Both died in 1915 within months of each other.
Brown and Butterworth
Gainesville, TX, United States
This hymn came to mind this morning as I was beginning my quiet time. I couldn't bring all of the words to mind, but searching brought me here. Jesus, please keep me near the cross. Amen.
Kingston, St. Andrew, Jamaica
Please Lord keep me at the cross.
Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
I am blessed by the insperation of this hymn. God bless the writer ijn.
Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
Oh Lord help me to always stay close so I can finish well in the of life.
Gonigora, Kaduna/Chikun, Nigeria
Thanks you for bringing this song to me this afternoon through our father.
VGC, Lagos, Nigeria
Lord Jesus, may you forever keep me near the Cross for faithfulness, steadfastness and safety. I will forever cherish the Cross , where my Crown is guaranteed.
Buea, South West, Cameroon
I am going through one of the most challenging times of my life. Almost losing myself, I can't help but sing this song from a bleeding heart. I am confident God is with me!
Gainesville, FL, United States
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
Leave His presence never.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
Nothing then shall sever.
Ughelli, Delta, Nigeria
This song came to me as I did my quiet time this morning. I searched for it and sang through. Quite inspiring. Lord Jesus, my Lord, my life, my way, my end, please ever always have me by thy cross. I know I will always be good there. Please let NOTHING keep me away from this rugged old cross.