Introduction
Words: Fanny Crosby, in Bright Jewels, by William B. Bradbury (New York: Biglow & Main, 1869), page 130.
Music: Near the Cross W. Howard Doane (🔊 pdf nwc).
The angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.
Revelation 22:1–2
Words: Fanny Crosby, in Bright Jewels, by William B. Bradbury (New York: Biglow & Main, 1869), page 130.
Music: Near the Cross W. Howard Doane (🔊 pdf nwc).
Like many other hymns by this author, the words were written to a tune already composed by Mr. Doane, and at his request. The words and tune are remarkably well adapted to each other, and the hymn will continue to be used long after many more pretentious ones have been forgotten.
Sankey, p. 332
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
Sheds its beams around me.
Refrain
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.
Refrain
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Refrain