African American Heritage Hymnal ‎#252

252. Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

1 Jesus, keep me near the cross;
There's a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv'ry's mountain.

Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

2 Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Shed its beams around me. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

4 Near the cross! I'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Jesus, keep me near the cross
• Title: Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
• Author: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
• Refrain First Line: In the cross, in the cross
• Meter: 7 6 7 6 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2001
• Scripture:
  John 12:32
• Topic: Devotional; Jesus Christ: His Cross; Jesus Christ: His Love and Mercy; Jesus Christ: Shepherd and Lamb; Patience

Tune Information

• Name: NEAR THE CROSS
• Composer: William H. Doane, 1832-1915
• Harmonizer: J. Jefferson Cleveland, 1937-1988
• Harmonizer: Verolga Nix-Allen, b. 1933
• Meter: 7 6 7 6 with refrain
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Harm. © 1981, Abingdon Press