Near the Cross

I am rather taken with this rendition of the old hymn, "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross."  I love the tender treatment that Simon Khorolskiy gives it.  I also love the Russian lyrics that tell the same story with a slightly different focus.  I decided to take the Russian and translate it back into English and force it into the musical meter.  Although I did not attempt to rhyme it each quatrain.

Regrettably, Simon only sings the first two verses and the choruses. 

1) Near the cross I want to stand,
   Contemplate it, O soul,
   There with Calv'ry's gracious grace,
   Flows out to the whole world.

       Near the cross, near the cross
       Dignity and honor;
       There salvation full, complete,
       In its blissful goodness.

2) At the cross I then was found
   By God's Grace and Power;
   Bright Your star, O Cross of Christ,
   Lit my path that hour.
  
3) Near the cross disclosed to me
   Lamb of God so gentle;
   To Himself He drew me close,
   He became most costly.
  
4) Near the cross I'll watch and wait
   Faith and hope surrounding;
   Welcome me then Lord my God,
   To Your Kingdom peaceful!

Simon's beautiful rendition of this hymn

The Russian lyrics:

1. У креста хочу стоять,

   Созерцать душою,

   Как с Голгофы благодать

   В мир течёт рекою.

       У креста, у креста

       Честь моя и слава.

       Там спасенья полнота,

       На блаженство право.

2. У креста меня нашли

   Благодать и сила. Светлая

   Твоя звезда

   Путь мой озарила.

3. У креста открылся мнеto me

   Кроткий Агнец Божий.

   Он привлёк меня к Себе,

   Стал всего дороже.

4. У креста я буду ждать

   С верой и надеждой,

   Пока Бог велит принять

   В царство безмятежных.

Here is a link to the Hymn with the Russian lyrics.

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