GOSPEL >> Consecration
SDAH 312
Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Text
1
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.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
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.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river
Hymn Info
Biblical Information
(a) Zech 13:1 (b) Rev 22:16 (d) Matt 27:36 (r) Gal 6:14
Author
Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915)
Year Published
1869
Metrical Number
7.6.7.6.Ref.
Composer
William H. Doane (1832-1915)
Year Composed
1869
Notes
Get to know the hymns a little deeper with the SDA Hymnal Companion. Use our song leader’s notes to engage your congregation in singing with understanding. Even better, involve kids in learning this hymn with our homeschooling materials.
We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.” – Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages. p. 63. (Lesson 12, 2nd Quarter 2021 -Sunday, Reflections of Calvary, 6/13/2021)
The tune, sometimes called NEAR THE CROSS, was composed before the words in the year 1869 by William Howard Doane (1832-1915; see Biographies). He played it over to his friend, Frances Jane Crosby (1820-1915; see Biographies), with the request that she write some words for it. She tried, but no inspiration whatever until she realized that she had omitted her usual practice of praying before attempting to write a hymn. She knelt in prayer and then very quickly dictated the words (she was blind) to her assistant. Text and tune were then printed in Bright Jewels in the same year, 1869
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