In a culture where crosses have become little more than decorative accessories and jewelry, how easy it is for even the most well-intended Christian to rush from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday without thoughtfully contemplating the cross and all that it means. But it is a good song to sing at other times as well, as we continually ask God to keep us "Near The Cross.This collection of readings, drawn from the writings and sermons of 25 classic and contemporary theologians and Bible teachers, focuses on the wonder of Christ's sacrifice. This is a good song to help prepare our minds for partaking of the Lord’s supper, because it helps to bring the scene of the cross before us.
Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river." "In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever 2.25ĬONCL.: The chorus says that because of what Jesus did for us at the cross, our glory should be in the cross until our raptured souls will find rest beyond the river. And we can then be with him just beyond the river and have eternal life in His presence: Matt. Because of what Jesus did for us, someday we can reach that golden strand after death: Heb. It was at the cross that Jesus gave us hope by His death: Col. Till I reach the golden strand, Just beyond the river."Ī. "Near the cross I’ll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever, Stanza four says that the cross is the pointer that directs us to heaven But to do this, we must keep its shadow over us, remembering the love that Jesus showed for us in His death: Eph. This Lamb of God wants us to walk with Him: Eph. It was at the cross that the Lamb of God died to take away our sins: Jn. Help me walk from day to day With its shadow o’er me."Ī. "Near the cross! O Lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me
Stanza three says that the cross is the motivation for us to walk with God And by grace, the beams from this star enable us to walk in the light: 1 Jn. This love and mercy were demonstrated in the "Bright and Morning Star": Rev. It was at the cross that God’s love and mercy found us: Eph. There the bright and Morning Star Sheds its beams around me."Ī. "Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me Stanza two says that the cross is the expression of God’s divine grace And all of this is possible because Jesus died on Calvary’s mountain: Lk.
From that precious fountain flows a healing stream: Rev. It was at the cross that a precious fountain for sin was opened: Zech. "Jesus, keep me near the cross There a precious fountain,įree to all–a healing stream, Flows from Calvary’s mountain."Ī. Stanza one says that the cross is the means of our salvation The song helps to focus our minds on what Jesus did for us on the cross. Wiegand and nearly every other songbook published by brethren, including Hymns for Worship, Sacred Selections,and the 2007 Sacred Songs of the Church edited by William D. McCann the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Howard the 1986 Great Songs Revised edited by Forrest M. Howard the 1978/1983 (Church) Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V. Ed., and the 1994 Songs of Faith and Praise all edited by Alton H. Today it may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church, the 1990 Songs of the Church 21st C. Welch and the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Sanderson the 1963 Abiding Hymns edited by Robert C. 1) and the 1937 Great Songs of the Church No. Allen.Īmong hymnbooks published by members of the Lord’s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, it appeared in the 1921 Great Songs of the Church (No. It was first published in the 1869 collection Bright Jewels edited by Doane along with William B. In the case of this hymn, the tune was first composed by Doane and given to Miss Crosby to provide the text. One of her collaborators who frequently provided music for her songs was William Howard Doane (1832-1915). Blind from six weeks old, she is credited with over 8,000 gospel song texts.
Crosby, whose full married name was Frances Jane Crosby VanAlstyne (1820-1915). INTRO.: A song that helps to keep our minds upon the cross in which we can glory is "Near The Cross" (#154 in Hymns for Worship Revised and #46 in Sacred Selections for the Church). "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross…" (Gal.