The first recording on my new guitar! Excuse the mistakes; I did this in just one take after trying Come Thou Fount a dozen times before giving up and deciding to switch songs instead. And the tone’s a little bright for my tastes, but they’re brand-spankin’-new strings.

Near the Cross (Instrumental)
Original Melody by William Howard Doane
Arrangement by James Szeto

[right-click to download: James Szeto - Near The Cross - mp3 (2.97MB)]

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

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.

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.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

–by Fanny Crosby