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."