Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

It seems impossible to compile a hymnal for largely American churches without recognizing the immense contribution of Fanny J. Crosby. The cross is the central theme woven throughout her vast body of work, rooted in her own conversion at an evangelistic meeting while hearing "At the Cross" by Isaac Watts. Her life's story is marked by both the extraordinary breadth of her hymns and the deep intensity of her faith. She once said, "If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind, for when I die, the very first face I ever see will be the face of my blessed Jesus." One of my childhood favorites, this hymn is rarely sung today, so we sought to adapt the lyrics—both to modernize the language and to incorporate this profound quote of hers in a new fourth verse.