Near the Cross

The hymn, "Near the Cross," sometimes referred to as "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross," or, "In the Cross" is considered to be one of writer Fanny Crosby's best-known hymns. It is based on Galations 6:14, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

"Near the Cross" was written by her in 1869, to a tune that had already been composed by William Howard Doane, who often collaborated with Crosby. The song is in F major and was composed in 6/8 time.

Though blinded at six weeks of age, it is believed that Crosby (1820-1915) was the author of over 8,500 gospel songs. The exact number isn't known, because she used more than one hundred “nom-de-plumes,” or “pen names,” many of which are not known. It has been written that at times she would write as many as six or seven hymns in one day. Other than Doane, she collaborated with a couple of other prominent gospel song composers of the day, William Bradbury and Ira Sankey.

The famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody was said to have asked Crosby the following question toward the end of her life: “If you could have just one wish granted, what would it be?” Sensing that he expected to reply that her wish would be to have had her sight reatored, she replied, “If I could have one wish, I’d wish that I might continue blind the rest of my life.” Moody was taken back and asked, “How can you say that?” Crosby was said to have responded, “Because, after being blind for all these years, the first face I want to see now is the face of Jesus.”

The theme of “Near the Cross” captures the hope and joy of heaven that is so characteristic of Crosby’s hymns: “Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.”

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