Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Near the Cross

Fanny J. Crosby

An extraordinarily inspiring American mission worker, poet, and lyricist (1820–1915). Blinded by an incompetent doctor's treatment at six weeks old, she never held resentment, once stating: 'If I could meet him now, I would say, Thank you, thank you, over and over again, for making me blind... for when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.' Crosby wrote over 8,000 hymns, including 'Blessed Assurance' and 'To God Be the Glory'. She spent her life ministering to the poor and homeless in New York City rescue missions, pouring her deep love for God into her lyrics.

Source: Bright Jewels

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
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,
Till my ransomed 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 His beams around me.
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.
Near the cross! I'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.